Concept of Adolescence

It's very difficult to conceptualize the idea of adolescence, because it can be approached from various angles. From a biological perspective, it can be defined as the age where a person goes through major physical and psychological changes usually around the time of puberty. On the other hand, it can be defined as the time where a person is seeking emotional and mental maturity. However, this is where it gets slippery. Who gets to decide what is mature? It's hard to set a standard and make generalization when there are countless factors that contribute to maturity and immaturity. Although it might be an inefficient and rudimentary approach, these situations must be judged on a case by case basis. However, if I must explain the meaning of adolescence, I would say it is the time where a person begins to break free of the accepted theories imposed upon them by society and undertake the responsibility to behave and think as an individual.

In relation to teen angst, I believe that teen angst occurs when an adolescence is having a hard time shedding the status quo and discovering an identity as a separate entity. Additionally, finding one's place in society as a whole while maintaining a firm grasp on one's individuality can be- not an insurmountable obstacle- but an obstacle nonetheless. The term angst is a pre-cognate with the Latin term "angor" meaning "choking, clogging". I see a relation between teen angst and "choking" in that teen angst is caused by society trying to choke adolescence with its preconceived notions of right or wrong.

Fitting In vs. Not Fitting In

There are several factors that contribute to kids fitting in or not. For the most part, I believe that these factors haven't changed much. It mostly revolves around having the same interests and values as the so called "popular kids". In order to fit in, kids have to be involved in activities the "It" kids approve of. Most of the time, these activities include partying, whatever that is defined as, drinking, and at times, doing drugs. However, that is not to say these are the only activities required to fit in, but these are the most common ones. The conflict comes in when some kids are hesitant to take part in the activities considered "cool". Why? Despite the fact they might be obscure, there are some kids who value their health and their academic standing over their social standing. By no means am I saying that the "popular kids" don't value their future and such, however most things related to school is considered nerdy. It is definitely not the way to fit in. Overall, interests and values are huge factors in fitting in.

Moreover, there are some personalities associated with fitting in over others. Normally, I have observed that those with more extroverted personalities tend to be the kids who fit in. They are usually the ones who don't mind having everyone look at them and analyze them. They tend to be the leader of social circles and have strong and loud personalities. On the flip side, those with a quieter personality tend to be on the outside. They are shy and introverted. Since they don't like being the center of attention, they don't hang around the "popular kids".

One thing I would like to stress is that not everyone who is not part of the "popular kids" wants to be part of it. Contrary to popular belief, some kids are happy with having a few close friends. As long as someone has a couple people they could always count on, and that makes them happy, then that is all that matters. The stereotypical definition of fitting in is totally overrated.