The Perks of Being a Cuban.

The key to surviving our transitional years, 16, 17, 18 19, is denial. As teenagers, we deny that we're scared, we deny that we want to be the best, we deny that we aren't the best. The worst thing of all, we deny the fact that we are in denial. All the lies, we lie to ourselves so much that after a while the lies start to seem like the truth. We deny so much that we can't seem to see the truth sitting right in front of us. Staring at us. Taunting us. I try to be honest,and I usually am. This is a very transitional time for me, and for about everyone in my life right now. It would be nice to hear others' truths without letting my own pick away at me. I think everyone at this age is fearful inside. "The world of pretend is a cage, not a cocoon. We can only lie to ourselves" And what good will lying do when the truth and the toll it takes on us is visible on our pale worried faces? I'm not that scared of leaving home. I'm close, I can be home quickly if it ever becomes too much. It's just, the idea, the word 'college'is intimidating and daunting. It's the last step. It's it. And if you don't make it, you're screwed. I'm scared of the burden it brings. I'm scared of what it means. And I don't ever deny it. I've been asked are you worried? Are you excited?" and I've answered both because it is both. It's such an exciting thing, it's life-changing, it's life-starting. But it's actual life. Not mommy daddy life. Not "I'll meet you in gym class" life. No more "did Mr Koszyk mention Cuba I nyour class too Rob? "Yeah and he looked at me first to see if I was okay with it" no more childishness. That's frightening. That's exciting. It's tiring to think about. It's tiring denying. We are scared. WE are tired. There's no denying, truth is unchangeable. "Welcome Weeks" across the globe are filled with pale worried kids muttering what the hell to themselves and playing with crappy food. Sooner or later, when we put aside our denial, we'll be able to face the world and be stronger for it. We'll be stronger when we are able to feel things, to experience the world honestly, emotionally. When we put aside our hardheadedness and our seemingly hardheartedness, we'll be able to face the world.