Growing Up

In Disney's movie "The Lion King," Simba just can't wait to be King. The future is so big. The possibilities are absolutely endless. He can't wait to take control of his life.

And neither can we. Singer Michelle Branch recently said, "When I was 10, I wanted to be 16 so I could drive. Then as I got closer to 16, I wanted to be 18 so I could smoke, have sex, and buy porn. Now I want to be 21, but after 21, there really isn't anything. They need to make more laws, so it's not like, 'Oh, 30. Driving the kids to soccer practice in a minivan.'" (Spin, July 2003, p. 28.)

What about you? What about the future can you not wait for? This month's WHAT ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT QUESTION is about your future.

You are standing in a round room with many windows. It is filled with your life now. All your friends, enemies, family, school, sports, memories, laughter, tears, talents, frustrations, insecurities, hopes, and fears are inside. The ceiling rises so high you cannot see it. In front of you stands a large wooden door that opens to your future. Behind you is a long winding hallway that leads from your past. You want to walk through the large wooden door, but it is guarded by a tall man. He tells you that in order to pass you must answer three questions. The questions are:

1. What do you like about the round room you are standing in? What do you like most about being a teenager?
2. Why do you want to leave the room? What about being a teenager do you most look forward to leaving behind?
3. What will be the best thing about walking through the door and being an adult?

What would you tell the man so you could pass through the door into your future?




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1. What I like most about being a teenager at just 14 is the freedom! There are some responsibilities that come with life in general, but I don't pay for things. My parents split the cost on most of my clothes, and I eat, sleep, and live at home for free. I can come and go when I want, I can earn money for keeps and not have any debts. It's GREAT!
2. I can't wait to no longer be the babysitter. Whenever my family joins another family for dinner or what have you, I'm the instant babysitter, I sit with the kids and make sure they're doing what they're supposed to do, and the parents usually sit at a different table. It's annoying. Also, I look about 17, so it's almost embarrassing when I admit my age and they are like "wow you look so much older!" and I finally want to be able to just SKIP that part and BE "so much older"
3. People just happen to give more respect to adults. Imagine that. Even though I'll get a little boggled with responsibilities, I hope to come out of it as a good person. I want to be someone people listen to. And it's hard to be that person when you are constantly trying to prove yourself as more than "just a kid" Emily age 14

1. I like the room I'm standing in because I am learning A LOT about Christ right now and I love it and I don't want to leave this room (for the moment) because I'm afraid that when I leave this teenage room that I will get really busy and I won't move forward in my Christian life. I like being a teenager (at the moment) because we have a lot of free time to learn and spend time with Christ and I love it!!
2. At this point in my life I really don't want to leave this room because you are a teenager and a kid for a shorter amount of time than what you are an adult. One thing that I look forward to leaving behind in my teenage life is the temptations and peer pressure.
3. I guess the best thing about walking through that door will be leaving all the temptations and peer pressure behind even though there will be temptations and peer pressure in my adult life but not as much as in my teenage life. Jackie, age 14

[I like] Being able to get by with the wrong things I did because I am "young and do not know any better". I also like that I don't have to deal with things like bills, managing my money, managing a household, etc.
[I want to leave because] I'll get to do more things like actually set my own rules for my house. I'll no longer feel like I'm trapped in a cage with people (my parents) to do this, do that. I'll finally be free from that. My parents won't be checking my every move. I'll get to make my own decisions and live my life how I want to.
[The best thing will be] Getting married. Crystal, age 14

I can't wait to drive. Most 13 year olds can't. We want to be free to go where we want.
1. What I most like about being a teenager or being in the large room is that I am young and still have many opportunities.
2. I would want to leave the room because I would want to leave the troubles of being a teenager behind, but later I might miss the youth times.
3. Being an adult would mean that you could do whatever you wanted whenever you wanted. Being a Christian however, for me would mean that I would not go places that would not be a good place to go and not do things that are not good to do. Cassidy, age 13

I do like being a teenager because sure you have a lot of responsibilities but not as many as adults do. Some of my peers say I'm immature but those who know me best tell me that they think I'm an awesome kid and just laid back. Like not a lot of things really bother me. Next year I'll be a senior which is cool and all but once it's seniors last day I'll be seeing about 3,000 faces I'll NEVER SEE AGAIN that bums me out big time. While on the other hand I'll get to experience many new things, meet my dream girl and start a family. . . eventually. so I try not to think about what's gonna happen in the future I'll just take it all one day at a time. Whenever I or somebody I know starts wondering a lot I just read Jer. 29:11 which reads "for I know the plans I have for you declares the lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future." Chris, almost 17

1. The thing I like most about being a Teenager is that you are just in the middle of things not too old not too young to try things out for yourself on your own. You are still young enough to play sports and just get to learn new things that as you get older it is harder to remember and learn more things because you are set in your ways. And it gets harder and harder to change what you have set as your beliefs and values and just the way you want things to be done.
2. I want to leave the door so I can experience even more things like college life and also what God has in store for me to do next. I'm looking forward to the day I get Married and wear WHITE for the reason it was suppost to be for! I can't wait to have kids and teach them all the love that God has for them is waiting for them they just have to ask him for it! The thing I am looking forward to leave behind is ALL THE DRAMA of high school and of everything being such a big deal and everyone hating everyone. (I really do Hate it all)
3. The best thing about walking through the doors will be finding out what God has planned for me the millisecond I enter adult hood!!! YEAH!!! Also just finding the person to share my whole life with me and God! It is so exciting I can hardly wait!!!!
I would tell the man all of the wonderful things God has done for me up to this point. Tell him that even though God has allowed me to make mistakes he also has allowed me to come directly to him and ask for forgiveness and wipe away every tear and heartache I experience! Julie:17

1. I like the fact that everything I have ever done is in the room no matter what it is. Well I play alot of sports so it's nice to be able to go play and do things without having to go to work.
2. I want to leave the room to experience the adult lifestyle.
3. I think it will be the opportunity to have kids because I enjoy interacting with kids.
I would tell the man that I enjoyed my childhood and I am ready to move on. Matt, age 15

The thing I like the most about being a teenager is having all of the opportunities. This is the time in our lives where we can shape who we truly are and mold our personalities to become unique individuals. However, I hate all of the pressures we face. We're constantly surrounded by sinful acts and it takes strength to withstand from these things. When I think about the future, I look forward to being able to be independent and know that I can rely mostly on myself and God for the things I need. Kellyn

I don't think I would really want to be in a room like that. The thing I like most about being a teenager are the times I get to spend with my friends and the camps we get to go to I know once we are adults that will quickly come to a stop unless we have the right kind of job! And actually Centrifuge showed me that I want to go into the ministry field! But really there is so much in this "room" that I don't like. The fact that I don't grow up in a Christian family and my dad is always yelling at me bout going to church, the fact that I cant really get a good paying job that I really enjoy, and I really want to get away from the normal teenager stuff that we all go through! One thing about being an adult that I can not wait for is to start a family giving my children a good Christian based family that I've never had!! I can't wait to be out of college and being in the ministry field bringing people closer to God and just getting paid to do something I love with all my heart! Being at home and being a teenager is great....hang out w/ friends, school isn't hard, get great home cooked meals....but I cant wait for that change! God is going to take me far in my life and I'm excited to see what he has planned for my life! Stephanie, age 16

What do you like most about being a teenager? That I don't have to pay bills yet, or have all these responsibilities! What about being a teenager do you most look forward to leaving behind? School!! Because, it is just somewhere I don't want to be, I can't wait till I graduate & go to seminary school! What will be the best thing about walking through the door and being an adult? Being able to minister to youth who were once just like me, Lost!!Heather

The thing I like the most about being in the round room is you see all that you've been through as a teenager. You can see your victories, defeats, your good times and bad times. You see the consequences of certain decisions and the praise you received for making the right choices. You can see all your relationships and how they affected your life. You can see what you've done and have an idea of what you need to change for the future. the best part of being a teenager is that you know no matter what happens life goes on and that no matter how bad you mess up there's always hope for a better tomorrow. I would want to leave the room so I can see what else there is to life. I mean being a teenager is great and all but there's so much more and life to experience. I would want to learn more about life and not have any limits on what I can accomplish. The one thing I would want to leave behind about my teenage years would be the endless bad decisions I've made. I would look at becoming an adult as my chance for a fresh start and an opportunity to make better choices about life. The best thing about walking through the door and becoming an adult would be that from that moment on you are you're own person. You make your own choices and you decide what's best for you. There isn't anyone to tell you what you have to do. Brandy, age 15

Lets see, what do I want to hurry up and happen? Probably getting college over with and done and having my career set up as a photographer. I looking forward to college and I know it will be fun but having it over with will bring some clarity and also it will mean that I'm finally getting the chance to get paid a lot of money doing something I love. So that's that. To answer the questions: I think what I like about the room I'm in best is that I don't have a lot of bad images in it. I screw up, yes, sometimes very badly, but I always learn to live with it, forgive myself and ask God to forgive me and then move on. I like to enjoy being a kid. Even though I'm almost 17 I still like to act like I'm 6 years old sometimes. I like to play in the rain for instance. Anything that makes me feel like I'm still young. That's what I like best about the room. The fact that I'm a teenager doesn't really effect me that much except that I like to make things count. Why do I want to leave the room? Well to be frank, I don't. Sure I said earlier in this thing that I want to get college over with and stuff but if I had a choice I would stay here. I'm probably one of the few teenagers who realizes how good we have it. I mean things can really suck sometimes but it could always be worse. We have it good. And I wish I could stay here but I can't. I have to continue through life so I guess the only reason to leave is to keep going on with life. What about being a teenager do I look forward to leaving? The gossip. the endless he said she said stuff that always follows you. and also the way everything is always blown 10 times out of proportion and made into a much bigger thing than it really is (ex. "my boyfriend broke up with me I'm gonna kill myself") its crazy and pointless. That is what I want to leave the most. -- next question -- the best thing about being an adult will being in control. Making my own choices and then having to deal with the repercussions of those choices - both good and bad. Knowing that I don't have anyone else to blame for my mistakes anymore is the best thing about being an adult because it is the final step of becoming mature. Stepping up and taking responsibility because you know that its your fault and no one else's. that's it. Becca, 16 1/2

1: I like the room cuz my friends are there
2: I want to leave so I can get away from my teenage troubles
3: Adult hood brings wisdom anonymous

1. If I was standing in the room, I would like my memories. I would enjoy my memories from camp and meeting new people. I would enjoy my memories of my first year of high school. I would enjoy the lessons I've learned, and remember them in the future. The thing I like most about being a teenager is freedom. You aren't treated like a baby anymore, but you don't have the responsibility of an adult yet.
2. I would want to leave the room because I need to start new. I need to learn new lessons and leave my past behind. I need to move on and grow up. I need to grow and mature in my Christian life and in my physical life. I look most forward to leaving behind peer pressure. Everything is about image. It's hard to live a Christian life and act "the right way", when everyone is pulling you in a different direction.
3. The best thing about walking through the door to becoming an adult is respect. You get respect and you give respect. People listen to you and treat you like you're actually somebody. You're not just a teenager who is immature and knows nothing. Brandee, age 15

I would tell the man that I love the room I am standing in. I like the friends, family, and life that I have. Even though one of my really good friends (my youth minister) left the my room to help out another church, I am happy that so many people are still in my room or life with me. Being a teenager has its highs and lows. The greatest part about being where I am is that these moments in my life, where I grow and experience God in new ways will last in my mind throughout my life. With the recent decision that my youth minister made about leaving, I look forward to moving on and exploring what God wants me to do. Even though the future is exciting and I am ready to go, I know where my room is and I can always return to it. I am ready to leave behind some of my immature habits and start the process of completing God's will for my life. Being a teenager has taught me what I need to know and I am ready to use it......so let me out! Kent, age 17

1. [The thing I like most about the room is that] all the people I know and like are in it. The thing I like most about being a teenage is my Mom trusts me to do more stuff on my own. 2. [I want to leave] so I can get on with my life like going through High School and then College to play football then go to the NFL. All of the bad memories 3. [The best thing about being an adult will be] I get to have my own house and responsibilities and go wherever I want to. Casey

My teenage life is still going on, but it has been really rough and fun. I loved my friends and my summer. They were almost the things I always looked forward to like seeing my friends at school, and waiting for when I get to sleep in, and go to my camps. Like I said my teenage life wasn't the best so I would have to say even though you have peer pressure as well when you become an adult I would leave behind the pressure of being someone your not. I've always wondered what it would be like to be an adult and to have a job and raise my family with a husband and 2 or 4 kids. The best thing would be growing up and having a family whether I become a house wife or a nurse I'll have my family sooner or later. Caitlyn , Age 15

1. I like most the friends that I am surrounded by that help me when I need help, that show me the way when I am confused, and that tell me when I am wrong. I like being a teenager because of all the fun things that I can do now, I like having some responsibilities but not having to worry about paying bills, raising kids, or any of the other things my parents worry about.
2. I want to leave behind the insecurities that come with finding out who you are. I want to leave behind worrying about not being popular enough for your old best friends to hang out with. I want to leave behind all of my fears, all of my tears, and all of my enemies that add to my frustrations and fears. As a teenager I look forward to leaving behind the guidelines of parents although I know God put them in my life so they could put guidelines on my life in order to make it easier for me. I also look forward to leaving behind high school and all the drama that goes along with being in that place. I know I will never leave the eyes of people and people will always tell me how to improve myself as my classmates try to do.
3. The best thing about walking through the door and becoming an adult is being able to make my own decisions and having more responsibility and able to take care of myself and also not having to really rely on someone other then God for everything that I need. Ginger, age 16

1. What I like most about being a teenager is the "in-between" feeling. It's like a rush that is hard to explain; you're not a kid but not an adult. The feeling is so confusing, yet exhilarating.
2. What I most look forward to leaving behind is the pressures of being a teen. There are a lot of pressures to handle like drugs, education, family, and religion. They can set you in a whirl wind if you don't know God and what is right or wrong.
3. The best thing about walking through the door and being an adult will be that I will have more of a chance to devote my life to God. I know that I can devote my life to God as a teen, but it seems that I will have more knowledge about God as an adult and will be able to give Him more! Kim, age 14

Well Bryan this question really made me think. I am about 6 months away from my driver's license and I can almost tell you down to the hour when ill get it so I can completely relate. When I'm sixteen I can drive and date and basically get my first taste of freedom. I am extremely independent so I can't wait.
1.My Friends, My family, first relationships, the freedom of doing what you want without the responsibility of paying for it
2.childishness, holding on to those last shreds of kid and at the same time reaching for adult hood, confusion, the basic assumptions people make just because you're a teenager
3.being completely self reliant, and the rest I'm not sure about because I've never been an adult so you know but basically just finding who I am and being that person on my own. Danielle, age 15

While seeing the round room with everything that occurred so far in my 17 years, I have to say that I like seeing that I have more friends, special memories, success stories, and dreams which came true rather than enemies, hurtful memories, failure stories, and dreams which were shot down with a bow and arrow. Being a teenager is so awesome because I can experience everything in life, but in little amounts. When I graduate high school next year and leave for college, I'll have already tasted parts of life to prepare me for the "real world." Although people think that my life is close to perfect sometimes, I have so many insecurities and painful feelings which I want to leave in my past. I'm actually looking forward to leaving behind my enemies because although they changed my life, both in good ways and in bad, I don't want to be around them anymore, ever again. Once I walk through that door to become an adult, the best thing will be knowing that I survived my childhood and teenage years and am stronger because of the events which tested me. They made my bonds with my family, best friend, and God stronger than before, and also helped to make me a stronger person on the inside. Jenny, age 17

Number one, what do I like most about being a teenager? Well the cool thing about right now is that I don't have to make any major decisions regarding career, relationships, and so on. I don't have to pay for the roof over my head, or the clothes on my back. My life is basically carefree except I worry about grades, the activities I'm involved in, and friendships. Number two. While most of my life is care free there are occasions where making the wrong choice can destroy dreams for the future. Like choosing to smoke, drink, or have sex. And while those choices are still there to make in the future, you don't give as much thought to what you are getting yourself into when you are younger. Finally, the best thing about entering through the doorway leading to your future is the pursuit of you dreams. If you've ever wanted to be a police man, an astronaut, a physicist, or an actor you can attempt to doing any of those things. You get to make all of your choices like where you are going to live, what you will be eating every night for dinner, what your career will be. And nothing will stand in your way, except maybe a tall man asking you questions about your past, present, and future. Ashley, age 16

I think that I'd like to leave behind my kid stuff. Justin

1. I like the fact that I still can depend on my parents to provide food, shelter, and money for me.
2. I definitely look forward to leaving the drama behind me, and all the problems that come with being a teenager.
3. The best thing about walking through the door to adulthood is all the things you can do, you can live anywhere you want, you can make your own decisions, and you can do things your way. anonymous

1. I like the times I faced my fears and used my talents, I love my memories, some more than others. I loved the fact that as a teenager you always have someone looking out for your best interest.
2. I want to be able to figure things out on my own and not worry about what everyone else thinks I should do.
3. I could spread my wings and be more mature about the world I'm in. Jordan, age 16

1. I enjoy being around my life accomplishments and goals that I've met. As far as being a teenager, I think I enjoy the friends I've made in this stage of life the most.
2. To move on into the future; the grudges I've had against people.
3. More freedom, being alone in making life choices, independence Will, age 16

One of my youth directors used to always say, "Seize the day". So I have kind of take that over as my motto. I am in NO hurry to be an adult. Yes I love being able to drive and every thing so that my mom doesn't have to take me everywhere, but I love my friends that I have right now and I love being a teenager. And to have fun you don't have to smoke or drive or be a 30 yr. old with kids. Just seize the day and live every moment to the fullest. April, age16

What I like most about my life right now are the people in it. My family and friends are awesome. I have the best parents and my family couldn't be more supportive. My friends are always there for me (and vice versa) and we have a great time together just being kids, no drugs or alcohol. What I look forward to leaving behind is the way people perceive teenagers. A lot of people think all teenagers are rude and obnoxious so they already have their mind made up about what you're like so you don't have much of a chance for a first impression. The best thing about walking through the door and being an adult would be knowing that I made it and God is still beside me because he helped me through some pretty rough times thus far and as everyone says, it doesn't get any easier. Jessica, age 16

1. I like most the fact that I don't have to worry about paying bills or doing taxes or providing for others as a teenager. Most of the responsibility in my family is taken up by my parents and I really don't have to worry about a whole lot. It's nice not to have to be responsible for a whole lot.
2. I most look forward to leaving behind the fact I can't do anything I want to. Don't get me wrong though. My parents give me a lot of freedom but I still do not have complete freedom to do whatever I want. I can't just get up and leave and go to the beach or come in at 6 in the morning if I want to. So I will like having complete freedom and being able to do what I want to do when I want to do it, even if it is at 3 o'clock in the morning.
3. The best thing about being adult, to me, is to get married and start a family. I really look forward to having a wife and kids. I also look forward to getting on with my life and starting my profession instead of wasting time in school. Kenton, age 18

1. The thing I most like is all my friends, because without them, this journey wouldn't have been any fun! Being financially backed by my parents, so I don't always need to work!
2. I want to leave because I'm ready for something bigger, I want that independence, and the freedom, to start MY life and a family for myself. People just want to be independent, so they want to move forward with their lives.
3.) Being able to start a family, and have a loving husband and beautiful children. Morgan, age 16

1. I honestly can't think of anything, my teenage years haven't been filled with much that was good
2. The depression, and many things that go along with it.
3. Hopefully getting married and having a family.Jami, age 16

1. What I like most about being a teenager is how good it feels to try new things. Not necessarily bad things, like drugs, or alcohol, but maybe your first car, your first date, or your first concert. The teenage years are when you determine the kind of person you want to be, and I'm a big fan of that. I'm perfectly content right now. I quote some song (I can't remember the title) that says, "Being grown up / isn't half as fun as growing up / These are the best days of our lives."
2. What I can't wait to leave behind is... well... school, I guess. And constantly being dependant on other people for things. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a loner by any definition of the term. But it stinks not being able to do anything by yourself, like getting around without a car, or begging money off parents....
3. I've always thought of it like this. When you are an adult, you no longer have anyone telling you what to do. For a lot of people, this is a bad thing. But I've always considered it very good. Being able to make your own choices, and having the cash to support those choices, I always liked that idea. Griffin, age 16

I would tell the man standing there that the best thing about the round room is the fact that I am able to relive my life. I can see my joys, wonderful memories of times spent with loved ones, or even relive the sorrows that came my way. The thing I like most about being a teenager is that life really isn't all that tough. My parents give me food, housing, clothing, and take me places when need be. Not only that, I don't have to hold a job yet and I can just hang out with my fellow friends and have a fun filled life. I think the biggest reason on my wanting leave the room would be so I can go to college and fulfill my mission- to serve god in Africa as a full time (long term) missionary. I look forward to leaving the horrible memories behind that I have. The dances that went wrong, things I shouldn't have said, opportunities I missed, grades I might have gotten, just all the things that come to a teenager. The best thing about walking through those doors....I know I made it...I know I'm no longer a child, still a child in God but I am able to do what he has called me to do. I can go out and travel around the world proclaiming his message and I will have had the right amount of schooling for the job. The last thing I'd tell the man before passing through would be-- I know this is right, I know this is my time, for I have waited and waited. There were times I tried to go ahead of the Lord but he got my attention and pulled me back to where I belong, I know this is my time. Stephanie, age 15

1. I would like seeing all my great memories that I had throughout my life. What I like about being a teenager is that I have a little bit of freedom, being able to get money, and because you're not a child anymore but you're not an adult yet which makes me mad sometimes.
2. I would want all my bad memories of all the wrong I have done in my live, to leave the room. I look forward to being able to drive, and people not thinking of me as a child or teenager but as an adult were I can do what I want as long as it's not against the law.
3. The best thing about walking through the doors would be when I was a teenager I learned a lot about what I should and should not do in life and I wouldn't make the mistake of doing it again when I am an adult. Jenna, age 13

1 What I like about the round room I am in is that I have been there for almost 4 years and it is comfortable and familiar to me. And what I like about being a teenager is the fact that I am not an adult. I don't have mouths to feed, bills that I have to pay with out getting help from my parents and just plan not having to grow up.
2) Why I want to leave the room and leave being a teenager. I am not quit sure because I know leaving would take away childish stress such as school and keeping my room clean to adding grown up stress such as work and keeping the house clean to making sure the kids are ok and bills are paid.
3) The best thing about leaving is the fact that I left and I survived and knowing that God will take care of all the grown up stress just like he took care of my childish stress. And not to worry! anonymous

1. The thing I like best about this room I'm standing in is that there are endless opportunities to make my future into what I want it to be. Everyone has hopes and dreams and I know that to accomplish those hopes and dreams I have to build my life in those directions now. I can't wait around because if I do it won't happen.
2. There is the common thing I'm sure most people my age want to get away from. It is the fact that we have to go to school and we deal with a lot of pressure from our peers, parents, teachers, and communities to "do our best," but sometimes I don't think they realize that "the best" and "my best" are not the same and that is something I wish a lot of people would realize.
3. That my parents are not making all the decisions for me and that I can't get blamed for stuff my younger sister does anymore! I mean, yes, I want a good job and everything too, but other than looking to a career and family I want to go where life takes me just one step at a time. Kyra, age 15

1.What I like most about 16 is the privileges and freedoms that come along with it. I can drive by myself now. Some may not think that it is such a big deal, but just the thought of being able to take yourself places and not having to ask your parents is cool. Although my parents know I am a good driver they still are my parents and can tell me when and where to go and not to go. I have a lot more responsibilities now and that makes me feel more important. At the age of 16 I am learning alot about Christ from my family, friends and church. I can make my own decision about things and know that Christ is there with me.
2.I look forward to leaving behind all the girly drama that comes with being a teenager. Evan if you don't want to be caught up in petty fights at school, your friends usually make you a part of them. Lots of feelings get hurt when they are not meant to be. And even though sometimes I may be the one pulling some of my friends into stuff I am praying that I will not do not. I want to leave the room so I can move ahead and experience new things. I don't want to leave too soon though.
3.The best thing about walking through the door is going to college, meeting the guy that God has for me, and becoming a mother so that I can raise a boy or girl to love Christ and have a good relationship with Him. My parents did a good job raising me and I want to pass along their encouragement, love, understanding, discipline, and faith on to my own kids one day. Sarah, age 16

1. That I have a secure relationship with God and I know He'll be with me wherever I go. I have freedom to do what I want.
2. I'm ready to leave the town of Williamston.
3. Being able to begin a new life somewhere else. Jeffrey, age 15

The thing I like most about the room I am standing in is that I can remember the things that have happened in my life or since I have been a teenager. The thing I like most about being a teenager is that I have a great youth group and friends. And with me getting older my parents trust me more. I would want to leave the room because I'm ready to grow up. I look forward the most to leaving the room because I get to leave most of the peer pressure behind me. I look forward to having a family and being grown up Katy, age 14

1. What I like most about the room is the many friends that I have made over the years. I also like the sports that I have played and the life changing decisions that I have made. What I like most about being a teenager is having lots of time to be with friends and hanging out. I also like all of the opportunities that I have to go places and learn new things.
2. I am ready to leave the room because I want to leave all of the bad decisions that I have made and I am ready to move on with my life and see what God has in store for me. I look forward to leaving behind all the pressures of being a teenager. Today most adults think that all teenagers are horrible and will never amount to anything. There is a lot of pressure to do your best in school and to fit in.
3. I am looking forward to moving on with my life and see where I end up at. Kim, age 17

About the room I am standing in, well, it's strange everyone I know is here. The best thing about being a teenager is that you get to do more than u use to. What I don't like about the room is that it's too crowded, the worse thing about being at teenager is that there are too many responsibilities, peer pressure, too many decisions to make and most of them are hard, I never thought being a teen was so hard till I got there. When I finally leave this room I don't expect it to be any easier. But to be able to leave I would tell the man why I so desperately want to leave and just maybe he'll let me through. I think for me the best thing about walking through the door would be that all the old problems are gone. Tamie, age 15

As I stand in this room I get a sense of comfort. That's what I really like. I'm comfortable with what I have now. The best thing about being a teenager is that this is that this time of your life that your whole character is shaped by. The things that you do, the people that you meet will echo throughout your entire life. You go through so much during your teen years. I am anxious to leave this room because of all that God has in store for me behind the door. I look forward to making new memories, and discovering new things. The thing I look forward to leaving behind most is all the tears I've shed during the teen years of my life. That and all the mistakes I've made. Sometimes it feels that if I could collect all the tears I've shed, I think I'd be swimming in a lake. The best thing about walking through that door and becoming an adult will be moving on to a new beginning of my life. It's like a brand new start. I get to go to college, where I don't know anyone, and get a chance to make a first impression once again. Also later on in life after I pass through that door, you get to someday become a wife. That's what I look forward to the most...spending the rest of my life with my soul mate, the one God has created and prepared for me and only me. I cannot wait till I can see what God has in store for me next. I look forward to discovering more of His great plan for my life. Mary, age 17

1. What I like the best about being a teenager, is you are at the age where your parents don't tell you that you are to young for things you wanted to do when you are younger but that your parents are still there to tell you that you can't do somethings when the things you want to do will harm you. So that you are in the safe zone but you are still out in the world.
2. I want to leave behind the most is all the little groups you have when you get into highschool. The oh she has to be this to be in our group. That is one thing that will probaly not go away but not be as much as a problem as it is when you are a teenager.
3. One of the best things I think I will enjoy about becoming an adult is the chose to decide things yourself and when you make a mistake you learn from it. You do that when you are a teen too but more I think when you are an adult you don't have your parents choosing what you can and can't do though you still have to look up to a boss. Also the fact of getting out in life and see what is out there when you are alone and not being held by the hand. Stephanie, age 16

1. The room I am standing in is filled with many things some happy some sad and some I would like to forget. I like it because it reminds me of things that tend to slip my mind and that i don't think of to matter. I like seeing the memories because it is all that we have of past friends and all i will have of the friends I will be leaving in a year to go to college. What I like most about being a teenager. Well, I like the "freedom" that I am allowed. I feel that I am able to be my own person and independent. I have been through alot these past couple of years but all together i have really enjoyed the memories i have made.
2.I want to leave the room because it reminds me of how young I am and how much living i have in front of me it makes me want to leave and start that living and see what God has instore for me.
3.Becoming an adult...... those words have lots of meaning. I would like to first finish school that beginning establishing a christian family. Lacey, age 18

I like that in the room I can look back at everything I have done and remember the good times I have had. I like that as a teenager I don't have too many responsibilities unlike an adult who has a lot of things to take care. I want to leave the room because I feel like I am ready to move on and grow up. I am most looking forward to be leaving behind the things that I want to do but I can't until I get older. The best thing about walking through the door will be that the things that I always wanted to do but I couldn't until I got older I will be able to do and I wont be treated as a kid anymore. Emily, age 13

1. I believe that the room is of the past and I should observe it very carefully so it can help me in the future. Being a teenager totaly Rocks! It is the best time to witness about god and recieve guidance about the future.
2. I would want to leave the room becuase there is no use for stalling in it. We must learn and move on. Friends, enemies, family, school, sports, memories, laughter, tears, talents, frustrations, insecurities, hopes, and fears will always be there in the next room behind the guarded door, but it will be looked at in a different way. Just like when you're in third grade you think girls are soooooo grose, but when you go through the door of maturity and you're in college all you can think about is when to propose to your girlfriend. The worst thing about being a teenager is that adults won't let you grow up, or learn on your own.
3. Taking the experiences and learning from them,and changing the future so it can honor God.
4. I have learned from friends, enemies, family, school, sports, memories, laughter, tears, talents, frustrations, insecurities, hopes, and fears and will always make mistakes and have thoes things but I will go at them in a different way, more maturely. Carly, age 14

I like that I can have my friends and my family in the same room because I know that if my family met some of my friends they wouldn't approve of them. I want to leave the room so I can leave all my enemies behind and I can forget about some of the memories and maybe erase some of them. I want to leave behind the rumors and the evil society of school. I will have more responsibility to be myself and not have to worry about what my parents think. Ashley, age 13

1. The thing I like about the round room is my friends and my family. They are the people keeping me "on my toes". The thing I like most about being a teenager is not having to pay bills and not having to worry about taxes.
2. I want to leave the room because sometimes I feel a little bit "closed in" by my parents. Sometimes they don't give me room to make my own mistakes. I look forward to leaving my school and the people who treat me like a nobody. I don't feel as if I am respected at my school.
3. The thing about being an adult that I am looking forward to the most is to get out of my small town. There is no culture here and everyone is very close minded to new things. Dana

1. I love remembering all the good times I had when I was younger. It would be fun to look around and see what is actually happening in my life for what it truly is. And I love being a teenager for the freedom I get from bills and jobs and all the stuff you have to accomplish as an adult!
2. The room although it holds many joys, holds many painful things that were enough to deal with once in my life. I prefer not to remember them anymore because they already always plague my memory. To see them again would drive me to the nut house! Being a teenager is fun but I want to grow up and leave behind the silly little things like high school idiocy and childish jokes and acts! I also want to be on my own and have my independence no matter how difficult and full of responsibility that may be!
3. The very best thing about walking through the wooden door would be the learning. I would get to experience the things that I can't experience as a child. A permanent job, my own home however small, house parties, maybe even a Christmas alone and by myself. I know that sounds odd but sometimes the strangest things can teach us to grow and in turn help others because of what we learned. anonymous

1. My favorite part about this age, is actually growing up, and watching God plan and provide for the things He is planning to do in my life. I am getting ready to go to college this fall, and I really knew that God wanted me at Gardner Webb University, which is a private Christian school but I knew God wanted me there, so he was going to have to supply the way. also, this past November my dad went to be with the Lord, and that has been such a rough experience for me. He was so sick, so it was more of a relief to see him go to the place he had been longing for so long, but I still miss him so much. I also lost some false feelings of security that I had (and every kid has) with their parents; its hard to feel insecure like that, but to find even more security in Christ through such an experience is definitely worth it! I knew that God had to carry me through that experience, and that he had to reassure me of that victory that has always been and always will be His, and ours to share. My point is that, as hard as being a teenager is and especially this past year for me has been, God has been surpassingly gracious, as always; he has kept all his promises: He has supplied me with scholarships for school But, so much more than that, I have come out of this year and all these experiences knowing him better: how awesome is that?!
2. I am so excited for what God has planned ahead! This is a great room, but its about time to get out! The view out that window might be a little scary, but its beautiful scenery and it looks like so much fun! for the past few years I have felt God calling me in to the ministry; possibly as a Christian counselor. Not that there aren't enough opportunities as a teenager, or that we are "the church of tomorrow" (instead of "the church of today", like we are), but there are so many more opportunities for service and ministry for people who are just little older than I am. I am so excited about that! I am also looking forward to, if God has this planned, to marry a man who is in love with Jesus and encourage him in his relationship with God and his ministry. One day, having children will be an awesome experience that I know God will definitely use! I can't wait to help teach my kids about Him! cj bagwell

1.What I like most about the room I'm standing is that everything I am is in there, my strengths, my weaknesses, my feelings, my happiness, just everything I am. What I like most about being a teenager . . . this might not sound very "Christiany" but honestly I like the body I have. I say that because kids are straight as a bored and adults and old people's bodies begin to be ripply wrinkly saggy. I'm not gonna get into detail, but teenager's bodies are like perfect skin, and curvy and I just love it. I also love the energy we have and things we go through. So far in my teenage years I've learned ALOT about life.
2. I want to leave my fad in that room. He really messed up my life. I want to leave my heartbreak over [a past boyfriend] in my teenage years beacuse if I take my feelings for him into my 20's I'll never get any where and I'm not gonna do that to myself.
3. The best thing about being an adult is driving and I'll be on my own and own my own house. I realize there's gonna be sooo many bills and hard things but the freedom is incredible. I could run around my house naked singing the Star Spangled Banner if I want to. So the best thing I'm looking forward to is the freedom. anonymous

1. I like the fact that I don't have wrinkles and can understand teens because duh I am one of them.
2.I want to leave the room because I want to get away from most of the mean and ignorant things most teens do and think about(pimples, popularity, drugs, alchohol, and sex)
3.I think the best thing would be that I could get a career not just a job and I could probably afford to fly to LA so I could get an agent and get "discovered".
And I would tell the man "step aside you aint holdin me back". anonymous

What I like most about the room is all my memories, What I like about being a teenager is that I'm still in school and I'm still a kid and I don't have to see what the real world is like until I graduate which is next year. I want to leave the room because I can't wait to see what lies ahead of me. What I'm looking forward in leaving behind is the frustrations. What will be the best thing about walking through the door and being an adult? Seeing what the future has for me. anonymous



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