As another year comes to a close, I look back on the year that was 2011, and reflect. A lot has happened this year – the Arab Spring; the Japanese earthquake and subsequent tsunami; the Australian floods; the deaths of notorious figures like Osama bin Laden, Muammar Gaddafi, and Kim Jong-il; the Occupy Movement; so much, that it’s tough to keep track of. A news review of 2011, however, is a blog post for another day. For now, let’s focus on this wonderful website called Youth Are Awesome, and my experiences with it.
First, a quick flashback to May of this year. I’m approaching the end of Grade 11, relieved that IB exams are done, yet somewhat stressed about final exams. Nevertheless, I’m in a perpetual state of boredom; I feel the need to try something new, so I start clicking around, seeing what I can find. I come across the Youth Central website, and from there, the Youth Are Awesome page. My interest is piqued – I haven’t written recreationally in years; the grind of school taking away from my time and motivation. I fire off an email, and two weeks later, I’m writing up my first-ever blog.
As I began blogging for YAA, I also explored the site, seeing what others like me had to offer. It was truly an awesome experience, from TheGentlemanScholar‘s “Photo of the Day” feature, to Ali‘s science and technology blogs, Vicky‘s book reviews, and the random stuff that Alice and Bill blog about, not to mention all of the awesome stuff that ALL of the bloggers here post. Checking YAA on a daily basis brought me inspiration, knowledge, laughter, and a reaffirmation of the awesomeness of youth. Over the last several months, I’ve seen YAA grow tremendously, and now, I can look back at 2,000 (!!!) posts on virtually any topic imaginable – the arts, news, philosophy, photography, religion, school, science, technology, random stuff; you name it. From contributing and reading others’ blogs, I feel like I, too, have grown a lot. I’ve learned a lot, laughed a lot, and have even experienced a few paradigm shifts from reading the arguments presented by others.
However, seven months after signing up, I sit here, typing this post, but with a twinge of regret. When I first signed up, I had high hopes for my future as a blogger for YAA. Unfortunately, as per usual, other commitments have hindered my progress. I feel like I haven’t contributed to the site as much as I can and should. I haven’t made a single post this past month, partially due to school, partially due to tiredness and lack of motivation. However, I have also spent this past month re-evaluating my priorities. I am committed to redoubling my efforts towards YAA, and hope that on the journey to another 2,000 posts, maybe I can enlighten and inspire just as others have done to me.
Happy holidays to all, and here’s to a new year where the world doesn’t end!
