A Social Commentary on Growing Up

Throughout my upbringing, I was always told to grow up. The phrase “grow up” was one that was never defined clearly but a phrase that was reiterated all the time. My interpretation was one that stood to understand growing up as following the societal norms and acting maturely by conducting myself in the manner to which others did. Now that I’m on my own, however, growing doesn’t mean joining the path that everyone travels. Growing up is clearing the brush so that I may have my own road to walk upon.

Dennis Mashindi - Class of 2021

Being born into an African family, I was taught to follow the footsteps of those who had come before me. With that said, I always read about African heroes, knowing that I wanted to grow up being just like them. I read about Nelson Mandela, Samora Machel and Steve Biko and was intrigued with the ways they crafted their stories. All three men were eloquent in their speech, courageous in their actions, personable with those around them, and admired by all. I read and studied their lives, trying to figure out the right way to grow up.

Now that I am on my own, I have found that I hold the key to what I want my life to look like. As I wake up each morning, I look through my own eyes like a movie, directing my every movement, hoping that my life is one that I may one day be satisfied with. 

"The Inner Ring," written by C.S. Lewis, is an essay explaining the human desire to be within different social groups. One of the main points that Lewis tries to hit on is the importance of being a “sound craftsman.” A sound craftsman is described as one who is comfortable not having to conform to the expectations of their surroundings and follow their own path. By crafting your own story, you allow yourself to be challenged and grow in ways many people don’t get to experience.

As I stand, I am eighteen years old with a head full of interests, but I am confused for I fail to see the path to which I’m supposed to travel. With my current pace, however, I believe that I’m starting to figure out what I want my life to entail. As I get older, I am learning to eloquently write my narrative in the style I would like it to be. This journey that I have set upon is my road to growing up.

Bibliography: 

Lindsley, Art. “Lewis on Disordered Desire to Enter the Inner Ring.” TGC - The Gospel Coalition, The Gospel Coalition, www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/lewis-on-disordered-desire-to-enter-the-inner-ring.

Dennis Mashindi, of Lexington, Ky., is a freshman McConnell Scholar.