TPL Teens

Written by Ava V, Brentwood Youth Advisory Group member

In July of 2010, it was estimated that there were 10.2 million youth (24 and younger) in Canada. This makes up about 30 percent of the population.

Every day, youth are bombarded with images and pressures to live up to, whether it is by their elders, peers, society or themselves. Youth with complete confidence in themselves are becoming harder to find. At the end of the day, it’s hard to believe anyone can fully contribute to their community unless they are comfortable with who they are. Many youth need that comfort, or self-esteem, that is getting harder and harder to find.

This is what Youth Week is all about; helping youth to discover that confidence and love for themselves and to embrace it. Youth should realize that their opinions matter, even if it seems like they don’t.

How many times a day do you find yourself comparing yourself to someone in a magazine, or to someone around you? This discomfort is the root for problems among youth. We need to look at ourselves and realize we are all beautiful and amazing.

You know, butterflies can’t see their own wings. They can’t see their true beauty, while everyone else can. But, in the end, they are still a beautiful butterfly. Just like you.

This is the importance of Youth Week. This is why the library celebrates it. Youth realizing their worth can make the world a better place entirely. To have the confidence to speak out against what’s wrong, or to go out and do something new will all have an effect on our country.

To the youth who feel they are “below the mark” in society, you are not. Never compare yourself to someone else, because you are your own person. Dogs cannot compare themselves to cats because they are not alike.  

So, look inside yourself, and realize that you have beautiful wings.

Break out of that cocoon.

And fly.

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Find a Youth Week event at a library branch near you.