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6 Inspiring Tips for Taking the Leap into Software Development
Tags: Career Change, Women In Business, Women In Tech, Junior Developer, Career Change Advice

6 Inspiring Tips for Taking the Leap into Software Development

We’ve just launched a new ebook featuring advice from passionate software developers of the Makers community Makers Follow Dec 2, 2020 · 2 min read

Here at Makers, we’re excited about playing a role in creating a new generation of tech talent — one that has people from a wide variety of backgrounds.

However, we know that the number of women in the tech sector has remained stagnant over the past 10 years. And we know that role models play a part. This is why we’ve taken a number of measures to help diversify the tech industry of tomorrow.

For starters, we run an annual Women in Software Power List celebrating some of the top rising stars in the UK coding community. We also offer a women’s discount to those applying to train at Makers, as well as having a new series of scholarship options available. In short, we want to make women more visible and prominent in tech.

Our brand new ebook gathers some hard-won wisdom from six of our Makers alumni, in an easy and accessible format. It shares advice from six women, all of whom trained with Makers, and talks about the struggles they faced when they were starting out as junior developers and how they overcame them.

This candid and engaging read is inspiring and relevant to anyone who’s thinking of becoming a developer; those who have recently trained at Makers; or those who are simply interested in exploring a new career and are considering retraining into tech.

Here’s a sneak peek at the contents:

“If you want to change your life, you can.” (Chiaki Mizuta)

“Find yourself a community + set achievable goals.” (Kim Diep)

“Plan before you code!” (Kavita Kalaichelvan)

“You’re always re-evaluating what you think you know, so dealing with that is important.” (Ruth Earle)

“Be kind to yourself.” (Eithel Anderson)

“Don’t be afraid about putting yourself out there and to really aim for whatever company that interests you.” (Funmilayo Adewodu)

To read more, download the full ebook here.
Oh Woman…
By: Chia Anulude
Tags: Self-awareness, Feminism, Self Improvement, Women In Business, Mental Health

Oh Woman…

Oh woman don’t cry

Wipe your eye.

Like they say, the woman falls for what she hears not what she sees.

But don’t play yourself please

You can see into the future I say

Open those big beautiful eyes

Wipe those tears away.

See the world for it’s lies

Hold your head up and know thyself

Walk through the valley of shadows and death

There's no evil to fear my dear

No evil compared to the greatness inside of you.

No evil greater than the fire inside you

Know that you are a King AND a Queen

You were created from his rib.

Yes!

You are part King, but he ain't part Queen

Know that you were formed by a creator who made another creator in the flesh.

Why does the bible call you helper

If you truly are 'weaker’?

To help, you must be at an advantage

You are complete, you are whole

But you are inactivated without His soul

Like a robot, you’ll need a power source.

Charged/plugged-in to function at your optimum.

Oh Wise God, you knew what you were doing

All knowing From the beginning

Making man batteries without a casing.

An energy source without the plug

Woman, the complete product and packaging leaving out the batteries on-purpose.

You did this to us.

So perfect you are woman

Have you looked in the mirror lately?

Not just at the curves of your waist but the depth of your soul.

Not just at the grooves when you twist but the strength from your pain.

The fire, the soul. You are fierce.

You are the vision missing in every man

The question is not if you’ll find the one.

The question is which one is bold enough

To step into the vision that is his woman

And all that SHE IS. Creator in the flesh.

You've got it all, woman.
How will they remember you?
By: Susan Hyatt
Tags: Women Ceo, Women In Business, Life Coach, Female Ceo, Business Coaching

Years ago, there was a moment that shook me awake.

And it all happened…in a mini van.

This was about 15 years ago. Back then, I was working as a real estate agent. And I was a hard worker. The hardest.

I put in 70-hour weeks and slept with my Blackberry phone next to my bed every night, just in case a client called so I could reply immediately. I checked email 7 days a week and replied instantaneously. I was glued to my career. I put work first and everything else came second. My marriage, my kids, my health, joy, pleasure, fun? All second tier.

One day, I picked up the kids up from school.

Cora and Ryan were really little at the time. I strapped them into the back of the mini van. We got in, started driving home, and then…my phone rang.

It was a contractor telling me about a termite issue at a house I was trying to sell.

He promised me the issue would be handled by a certain date, but it wasn’t.

I was so tense, so exhausted, and so overworked that I completely lost my cool.

I’m driving along, with the call on speaker phone, and I raised my voice and started barking orders and raging at this poor guy. My face was flushed, and I probably sounded like a complete psycho.

That’s when I happened to glance into the rearview mirror…

…and I saw my sweet little kids’ faces.

And they both looked terrified.

They both had this expression on their faces like, “Uh oh. Mom is in a REALLY bad mood today.”

Seeing the horror on their faces, my heart sank into my stomach.

After we got out of the van, I had a moment of reckoning.

All I could think was:

“This is not how I want my kids to remember their mom.”

Raving like a lunatic and screaming at a colleague about termites. What have I become?

It was a wake-up call.

I realized, “I’ve been hustling so hard, and working so much, that I am losing myself. I am turning into a person I don’t want to be.”

Dear person reading this right now, whether you are a parent or not…

Is this story resonating with you?

Maybe lately you’ve been feeling like, “I am working way too much. My priorities all are out of whack. Something is not right.”

Maybe you’re having health issues. Feeling disconnected from your kids. Or just feeling exhausted all the time.

Maybe this post is the wake-up call that you need.

Make a change.

The calm, joyful, successful (but not workaholic) woman that you aspire to be?

The woman who prioritizes pleasure and self-care?

The woman who takes excellent care of herself?

The woman who works smarter, not harder?

How do you want to be remembered?

Be that woman today.
Body Language Tips to Nail Your Next Sales Meeting
By: Roshni Baronia
Tags: Sales Tips, Marketing, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Sales

Conversation Catalyst series is a nine part series where the Podcast host Roshni Baronia is deconstructing the 9 elements of an impactful Sales Conversation which will help you convert your prospect into paying clients not with sleaze, but ease.

Part 2: It’s not what you say; it’s how you say it. Truth be told, what you say matters significantly but not as much as how you’re perceived,more so in a sales situation. You need to ooze certainty when meeting your prospects in order to be trusted and valued.

Show your love:

Leave your reviews/comments at http://bit.ly/ats-review or Apple itunes/Castbox

Follow and tag me on Instagram at roshni_baronia

Know me more at the website roshnibaronia.com

Get in touch at connect@roshnibaronia.com

Get answers:

What would you like to learn about when it comes to #SalesSuccess — Share your sales questions/challenges with me and I can make a podcast episode on the solution bit.ly/mysalesquery

Grab Free resources from Roshni:

If you are struggling with getting more clients, chances are that you are spending your efforts and energy on things that are not bringing in results and revenue. Get this tool to gain clarity on your business performance. KPI Cheatsheet and Evaluator here https://bit.ly/ca-kpi

Get past your limiting beliefs through a 5 step framework to revolutionize your Sales Mindset. Get the free ebook www.roshnibaronia.com/e-book

Learn all your strengths, weaknesses, fears and how to overcome them by knowing your selling style. Take the authentic selling style test at https://www.roshnibaronia.com/know-your-selling-style/

Subscribe to Sales Made Simple Letters for sales tips, small business insights and latest podcast releases to be delivered right in your Inbox

http://bit.ly/sms-letters
An overnight success is never an overnight success
By: Tricia Scott
Tags: Entrepreneur, Women In Business, Entrepreneurship, Business, Business Development

An overnight success is never an overnight success

Photo by Chris Barbalis on Unsplash

Do you sometimes find yourself coveting successful businesses and wondering how they just managed to show up and be successful, like all of a sudden there they are! Taking their respective market by storm!

Let me tell you; we really have to stop looking at successful businesses and assuming they are instant success stories. This kind of comparison can be dangerous and detrimental to our productivity. In reality, most successful companies, musicians and people have taken years of work and faced many ups, downs, tears and tantrums along the way. Each path to success is different, and we need to acknowledge that no two stories will ever be the same. If you take the time to research, you’ll find that many successful entrepreneurs have faced seemingly insurmountable hurdles and adversity along the way.

The difference is always in the attitude.

As a business owner or entrepreneur, you must know that whatever comes, you are following your path and it’s OK not always to be OK. You have to be willing to look at the real picture and understand that you can’t build an empire without first going through the construction. The great thing about adopting this attitude is that you get to make each step as valuable as it can be, even in the very beginning. And take pride in the steps you’re achieving along the way.

To quote one of my favourite female business bloggers Ash Ambirge of The Middle Finger Project’ Surely, when they built the Empire State Building, no one was embarrassed that it WASN’T JUST A BUILDING, ALREADY. Instead, they documented the entire construction process, excited to have the privilege to work on such a monumental new project.’

Ash, I love you.

Your business is no different. Get excited about it; this is yours! Don’t be in a hurry for it to be a business already. Take the valuable lessons along the way, celebrate and enjoy the process and stop making unrealistic comparisons on social media or in the press. You’ll thank me for it, I promise.

This is your journey. Make it count.

I believe in you.
What if My Passion Doesn’t Generate Money?
By: Susan Hyatt
Tags: Female Entrepreneurs, Women In Business, Money Mindset, Business Coach, Business Coaching

My daughter Cora loves to write poetry.

But she has some concerns that she won’t be able to make a living as a poet.

We sat down recently, and she told me:

“Mom, there aren’t many poets who actually make decent money. And the ones who do? They look like Victoria’s Secret models. They have huge fanbases online, because they constantly post photos on Instagram. That’s not the kind of poet I want to be.”

This sparked a deep conversation about art, branding, business, and the pros and cons of capitalism.

Cora (like many people) worries that maybe it is just not possible to make money doing what you love — especially if “what you love” is writing poetry that is not cute, sweet, or appealing to a mainstream audience.

I disagree.

I strongly feel there is always a way to make a living through your passion.

There are people who make money training penguins at the zoo.

There are people who make money selling handmade Voodoo dolls on Etsy (only 2 left in stock, last I checked!).

There are people who make money reading Tarot cards or doing astro-cartography to determine where you ought to live based on the stars.

Whatever you do, no matter how niche, peculiar, odd, obscure, or unconventional, I guarantee, there is a market for it.

I once had a client who made tons of money painting fish onto wooden roof shingles and selling them to tourists at craft fairs and boutiques. People went nuts over these “shingle fish” and she could barely paint them fast enough to keep up with demand! True story.

The question is not, “Can I make money doing what I love?” Because you absolutely can.

A better question would be, “I want to feel financially secure. And I want to do what I love. I want both. So, how can I design a beautiful life which includes both?”

You can have both.

You can create what you crave.

There is always a way.

And let me tell you, there are 7.5 billion people on this planet, and there might be a surprising number of people who desperately want your weird poetry, your Voodoo dolls, or your shingle fish.

Don’t prematurely assume you won’t be financially successful.

How about first you get out there, and you try.

Want more from Susan Hyatt? Visit www.shyatt.com
‘her light was dead’
By: Sarah O Brien
Tags: Teenagers, Short Story, Mental Health, Fiction

‘her light was dead’

A figure stood under a lamppost at 3am, silhouetted by the dim light above. Reached in their pocket and pulled the second last cigarette out of the stolen box. Brought it to their mouth and struggled to light it with the old lighter. After a few too many tries, warmth filled freezing lungs.

The silence was comforting, it didn’t used to be, but if you wait long enough, you can get used to anything. Even the monster in your head starts to feel normal.

The comforting silence was broken by a phone buzzing. The figure lifted it out of their pocket and took a look at the screen. It read, ‘Mother’.

“Lynn, where are you?!?”

The girl took a long drag from her cigarette and laughed quietly, “took her long enough” she said with a sigh. She wouldn’t have even noticed if you hadn’t taken her cigs.

After a few long minutes, the cigarette was reduced to the filter. She put it out on the lamppost and threw it on the ground. Then she started walking.

The girl sat on the railing of bridge at 4am, the moonlight casting a star-like glow on the deep river water below. She reached in her pocket and pulled out a crumpled up note, and started reading it. Have to make sure it’s perfect. After she was satisfied with the note, she put it next to her on the railing. She spun around, facing the water.

Wonder who’s going to notice first? Will anyone notice?

The girl looked up at the sky, and took a deep breath and smiled.

She started to let go…

A loud car speeded over the bridge, waking the girl up. What are you doing?

She threw herself back and collapsed on the bridge. She stayed like that for a while.

The girl sat on a wall outside an old apartment block at 6am. She reached in her pocket and took out the last cigarette.

In a few minutes she would go in and get yelled at by her mother, she would apologize and tell her she was out with friends. In a few hours, she would be sitting in a noisy classroom, someone would tell her she looked tired and ask her what’s wrong, she would say that she stayed up all night working on a history project, the persons would say “me too” and go back to talking to their friends.

But for now, she’ll try to be glad that she made it home. You always do, pussy

She brought the cigarette to her lips and tried to light it.

Her light was dead.
What Your Teenager is probably thinking:
By: Katie Lavallee
Tags: Teenagers, Listening, Understanding

What Your Teenager is probably thinking:

I am a 15 year old and I couldn’t really decide on what to write. I knew I wanted to do something that was relevant not only to the general public, but specifically to those who are parents to teenagers in the 21st century. As times have changed, I feel as if there are some things that parents DO NOT understand. And that is where I got this idea. I decided that for one week I would write down anything that my friends said and or were thinking. These are a mixed thoughts about social lives, the media, relationships, friendships. Anything that was said I wrote down. This is a few things that were constantly said:

“Why doesn’t he feel the same as I do” “Do you think that this makes me look good” “If this doesn’t get a lot of likes I will delete it” “She is literally so toxic and I can’t keep doing this” “What’s the point?’

Now out of context these don’t seem like a big deal. But let me explain what all of these are about. As a teenager, there is an expectation to be upheld. If you fall below, you’re weird, but don’t exceed because then you’ll be a “try hard”. Teenagers have created almost impossible standards for each other to live up to, and adding a not understanding parent into the mix doesn’t help. The one that really stood out that was said a lot was “What’s the point?”. These three words can be taken in multiple directions, but none of them are good. None of them are positive. My point being is that being an understanding parent that is there for your kid is very valued. And all I ask is for you to be a shoulder to cry on or the person that they can talk to about anything and everything. Good and Bad.

Follow Me for more like this!

-Katie
“whenever u were like i guess my age- did u ever feel idk, just not really heard or live up to a…
By: Ytho Annika
Tags: Teenagers, Motivation, Motivational, Mental Health, Standards

“whenever u were like i guess my age- did u ever feel idk, just not really heard or live up to a standard

And if u did, then what helped get over that”

If I’m being honest with you I’ve always kind of felt like that. What helps me a lot, and don’t tell mom and dad I said this, is to set your own standards. Living up to mom and dad’s expectations is good, but they ask a lot of you. It’s your life at the end of the day, so you need to measure your own progress with what you think is best as an individual sometimes. Now that’s not saying “go yell at mom and dad when they get mad at you” but it’s okay to listen to what they do and take it with a pinch of salt sometimes.

this is my, and now your standard. I’m going to become something bigger whether I cut corners and cheat a bit, because my way isn’t your way. I’m going to become financially stable and when I do, I’ll get to make my decisions and even if that means not taking the advice you gave me.

I’m happy of the opportunity i’m given and i’m lucky to be here. But that’s not an excuse for anything. Because there are no excuses. And hey, isn’t that an adult thing?

I might not follow up to your standards, but I do to mine. And at the end of the day, this is my life, and I’m going to make it the best for myself

I’m going to get to travel the world and see bigger things

I’m going to be successful and start my own path

And I’m going to make my own decisions for myself and live up to my standards

And whether you realize this or not, my standards may be different to you, but they are going to achieve the same thing or even more than yours. Sure this might seem like a kid thing, but I’m never going to forget this. And that’s the one promise I’m going to keep.
Why “Anne with an E" is a must for every teenager who thinks they do not fit in.
Tags: Teenagers, Netflix, Anne With An E, Mental Health, Must Watch

Anne with an E deals with an array of mental turmoils that a child goes through to fit into society. She sticks out like sour thumb with her bright red hair, her extraordinary interest in reading and imagining the world to be more than what it is, her over zealous and optimistic attitude and finally her ability to talk at the a mile per minute on any topic.

The show deals with issues of mental health very subtly through the eyes of an orphan who was exposed to many of the things that other 12–14 year olds weren’t. She wasn’t given proper “training” on how to behave in a civilised society. Often hating and trying to not be herself just to be accepted. The first season especially shows us how beauty standards are promoted over the years to mean certain things. Even though she accepts it herself that she isn’t one who is pretty or elegant, someone else putting her down is not acceptable to her.

Having been through loads of childhood trauma, she finds it hard to fit in at school with other girls her age. Peer pressure amongst the students all force her to stick out of the lot.

But she eventually, finds her place in that little town when she is finally recognised for her talents and personality rather than her looks or her manners.

It is important for everyone going through a hard time in school or any other social setting, that it shall pass. Your true beauty will shine through at some point or another. You do not need to conform to the society, it will adapt to you.
December 23, 2020
Tags: Teenagers, Moms

This is the year that will keep on kickin. My mom found my weed last night, that didn’t go great. She used the “I’m not mad I’m just disappointed” thing that all moms say. But it’s all good.

Everyone thinks that I should be older than I am, that I’m more mature than most people my age, which I do consider myself to be. But then I get in trouble or looked down on for doing things that older people do. Apparently, I’m not allowed to have political opinions because I’m too young. But I think that if it’s affecting me, I should be allowed to formulate an opinion.

My mom is back to acting like everything is cool though, which is nice. I hate when she throws it in my face for months like she did when she found me passed out in the bathtub after drinking too much. Whoopsi. I feel like my life sounds like some cheesy movie, but I promise it’s all real.

I’m going on a second date thing today, after I eat dinner. We are going to the ball and then coming back to my house, maybe. I am not sure. but this guy is dope. He’s sweet and I have known him for a while, but I don’t know how a relationship would work. So come along the journey as we find out together.

I know my rants are all over the place all the time and I hate complaining ’cause I know people have it worse than I do. But to be able to put stuff out there and see if other people feel the same kinda helps.

Anyways, gotta go eat!
Since U Been Gone
By: Love Akinkunle
Tags: Teenagers, Death, Grief, Moving On, Friendship

Over half a decade later, it’s impossible to erase your mark completely.

In the first few weeks, we stayed together. Letting the tears flow, letting the laughter come.

Then, as with any party, it was back to our different cliques. But of course, this ending was different.

We fell into tight hugs when we saw each other around, we asked how we were doing, genuinely wanting to know.

We held memorials to relive your love.

Even as the years go by, you’ve brought us together forever.

We watched your best friend say I do over zoom — which was great because I got to sit in my PJs.

Your brother and I always know about the new jobs we’re starting. You always told me I could do “just about anything”.

Your sister always checks in when I start posting cryptic messages on my socials. She was there the first time I thought about ending it, 5 years after you left.

Your cousin and I shared one kiss. We realised all we had in common was grief and nostalgia. We still check on each other over the holidays.

I still can’t bear to see your mum, I feel guilty about how she holds it together, while I still breakdown at the mention of your name. My mum says she’s doing okay.

The rest of us all follow each other on Instagram, sharing our public monuments. Facebook is so dead. We don’t really post memorials for you any more.

Maybe it’s because we think it’s time to move on.

Maybe it’s because we don’t have any instaworthy pictures of you. We are the last generation of infrared, memory cards and 3mp cameras. Our less than candid moments are on lost devices and in our hearts.

Maybe it’s simply because we’ve begun to forget. I’ll admit that sometimes the anniversary of your death goes by while I’m having a good time.

I do wonder though, if our friendship would’ve lasted if you lived.

Probably not.

You would’ve grown closer to God as I strayed further away. But your smile would still warm the hearts of those lucky enough to know you.

You would’ve emigrated to a continent a world away. But I would still hear your voice now and then, and that would be enough.

We would’ve outgrown all the things that brought us together — the cheesy Nicki Minaj pop songs, the dying flash games, our naive teenage dreams. But, we would be able to reminisce over forced conversations, and I would be grateful to have shared a part of my life with you.

I still listen to our songs. I still smile when I see the book we had a silly fight over. If I knew that was the last time I’d see you, I would have let you read it first, you would’ve liked the ending.

I still cry out of nowhere sometimes, but the weird bunch you brought together has made sure I’m never alone.

Every now and then, I speak to someone else who loved you; and there’s no doubt that your short existence here has bound a bunch of misfits together for eternity.

I’m glad to have experienced the parts of you that you shared me, and all the wonderful people that came with you; I sure in hell would not have made it without them.

Love, Always.
A New Start
Tags: Motivation, New Me, Happiness, Glow Up Diaries, Teenager

This marks the moment I start over again. Why am I starting over you may ask? Well, the answer is because I am not happy with my life. I don’t believe I'm living it to the fullest. I'm no longer going to waste my life away. Why today? Well, today is the Great Conjunction! This is when Saturn and Jupiter will be closeted together since 1623. This is when the magic happens. Someone told me if I wanted to start something, today is the day to do it so that's why I am here. I guess you could call this my glow up diaries. Feel free to join me on this journey. Life will only be as good as I make it and I prepare to make it really good, a life of true happiness.
Manusia Depresi
By: Adinda Bunga Zhafirah
Tags: Teenagers, Depression

A teenager who likes to write about random topics. Welcome!
Would life be “better” if i was a child?
By: Emma Flyes To The Diary Skyes
Tags: Teenagers, Diary, Teenage Diary, Deep Thoughts On Life, Diary Writing

Diary 21.12.2020

On my wall I have a family-photograph from when I was fiveish. …and I’m listening to rather depressing 2020 music while looking at it. Now a days in my teens and in everything that entitles, I cannot stop regretting so stupidly many things. The time I called my mother “dumb” (many years ago, as a pubescent teen) or when I made my grannie sad after refusing to go on a grannie-granddaughter shopping-trip (she used to take me on the trips to make me happy).

Cute photo right? found it on GOOGLE!!!!!

So, when looking at the past me in the photograph, I considered if life would be better if I were five.

I don’t have that many memories from when I was young. Most of the things I can remember are either weird or depressing (there are a bunch of just random memories to). And the depressing one are depressing in the way that I didn’t find it depressing when the memory occurred, but that I found it depressing when I reminisced the memory. -sorry, that was a lot of “depressing”.

I can’t remember ever thinking about how other people felt when I was a child. Before I turned 5, I probably only thought about myself and what made me happy. This could though be a total lie. But I don’t know. I can’t remember.

But if the 4-year-old me was 100% self-centred but my parents still loved me, that sounds like an easy and good life.

It sounds “easier” but that doesn’t necessarily mean “better”.

For me I feel really really really happy when someone does something for me without expecting something in return, but I feel even better when I do something for someone without wanting something in return. When I do it out of love and kindness.

So, I don’t know is “easier” really is “better”.

-Emma
A list of 11 by A teen in the age of Aquarius
By: Sheila Etu
Tags: Teenagers, Age Of Aquarius, Enlightenment, Spirituality, Dreams

A list of 11 by A teen in the age of Aquarius

Being a teen in this day and time is an adventure on its own. Here are some random thoughts I wrote at 2:34am on 21st December 2020 the new age of Aquarius.

I’m 17, I feel everything. Pain, happiness, extreme excitement, love, lust, touch, confidence, beauty and life. The best part of growing up is being able to look back and understand why things happened and the true intentions behind everyone’s doing in your life. I sit down in class and my teacher asks me why I’m distant. I’m thinking of why that lady gave me a dirty look when I spoilt her surprise to her husband when I was 11, and how irritated she must’ve been after planning for so long. As I would be too. Now . I’ve not much experience with love. But being a Pisces, I’ve felt the strongest love any human can imagine (in my daydreams of course) . I socialize online for a week then go off for a month or two. I want to feel more than just my phone screen, sometimes I wish I can’t Live in the 1950’s and be surrounded by raw nature love and life. But I cannot vouch that life then would be so kind for me. So I accept my time on earth. I read meaning behind everything, I feel I notice things more that the other human. But the truth is. This is my ego making me feel inadequately unique. When the truth is, we are all the same. I used to (as of 3 months ago) yearn for the love and validation from those I look up to, now seeing the world as how completely meaningless it is, I couldn’t care less. I want to more than anything carry out every impulsive thought in my mind. But they don’t seem to come at the right time. So I sit and wait and wait and wait. Not for long thought. Hopefully I watch tv. I see and think and see and think and see and think and then think more and then I get a headache. Is this all there is too see? I want to go outside. I look forward to going to sleep. The mere darkness of the sky at night being excitement to me knowing I’ll be able to bask in the bliss of being in my thoughts while I lay drowse Ever since the pandemic school has become no more important than eating 3 meals a day. I still keep my grades up just so college is still an option. Amongst my many many dreams. Lastly I find myself living mostly inside my mind. Thoughts and thoughts and daydreams. I cannot complain as I’m in a much better position to share them now. But how I yearn to share them with the love of my life.

Sheila :)
8 Thoughts after Downloading Instagram
By: Tina Yang
Tags: Teenagers, Followers, Teens And Social Media, Instagram, Social Media

Disclaimer: Yes, I am a Gen-Z’er. No, I’m not like other girls.

It’s December 2020, and I just downloaded Instagram. Technically, I had an account in December of 2018, but promptly deleted it after overthinking about the true purpose behind it.

I re-downloaded the app to help with my college’s club recruiting. While Instagram may be harmful to mental health, it’s absolutely fantastic to use while marketing. Here are eight thoughts I’ve realized since downloading Instagram. Again.

image from Unsplash
Chapter 1: The Beginning
By: A Girl
Tags: Teenagers, Life, Relatable, Blog, Advice

Chapter 1: The Beginning

I always told myself that one day I would write a book. In fact, I remember my sixth grade graduation, we had to write down our goals for the future, included within my very large list, I had “I will write and publish my own book”. Though I never truely had any idea of the context, storyline, characters, or really any idea of how to write a book. Yet, this particular goal of mine has managed to always stick around in the back of my mind. And I know of course this is in no way a book of any form, but hey it’s a start at least.

So hi, I’m a 17 year old girl, with lots of thoughts and lots of advice. My friends always tell me I should write a book. But I’m really just here to share a teenage perspective of the world around us. Of course, my perspective does not suffices for every single teenager. But I still will try and give a general idea. The world we grew up in and the world we continue to grow up in is changing every single day. Sometimes I think our parents and elders forget that, and they forget we aren’t growing up in the ways they did. In which makes being a teenager a little difficult in the 21st century. However, this is in no way a complaint just an observation and a statement. All I hope is to share exactly what it is like being a teenager these days and give out a little advice along the way.

But, because this is the beginning I’m not going to jump right into the details. I would like to begin with stating that this page is not going to be a diary as such, but more of a way to share the things I learn about society, relationships, school, work, the world, really anything that could possibly help anyone. But remember, I am in NO way shape or form a professional, this really is all just my opinion.

So, if you really want an insight, some advice, or simply just a place to come and read some relatable content. Stick around, I’ve got heaps to share.

Well, that’s all for today,

Thank you :)
12 years old boy
By: Tee J
Tags: Teenagers, High School, Asian, Girls, Boys

12 years old boy

Year 2003

Class 6th section A

My first year in high school

I have just finished junior school and hardly speak english, and now am in high school and. one day the school nurse came for new students health check up, every student was given a form, I don’t. remember much about the form what I remember is that it has name, age, sex, written on it and as a twelve year old. kid I know how to answer some questions but when it came to sex I was confused why are they asking about sex what do they want to know, well that time I didn’t know that sex is equal to gender, so I kept it blank so there was this girl infront of me who has done the same she kept the sex blank , and when the nurse took her form and started checking her and she wrote F on her sex and it made me nervous coz if. I get F damn how I am going to face my friends and it was my turn and the nurse wrote M, sigh! trust me that was such a relief and all my friends got. M and I explained that we are all medium and not full on the sex metre
Introduction
Tags: Teenagers, Schools, Anonymous, Relatable, Blog

I’m not going to lie. I have no idea how this site really works, all I know is that I heard that it was for writers and etc. To be honest I don’t think I really care. The reason I signed up was purely for my own entertainment and as a distraction and a place to vent and talk about the things I want to talk about.

I’m not even sure if they are teenagers on here!

Nevertheless, I will write about what I want whenever I want to regardless of whether people do or do not read my publications.

Now that we’ve gotten past that, here’s what you should know about me: I’m 17, I’m awkward as hell and I’m pretty much average. That’s why I feel like writing a blog would be cool especially from the perspective of someone who doesn’t feel like they fit in.

Please stay and read what I have to say because I have a lot to say and I think it could help many people feel better.
What I’ve learnt from *TikTok*
Tags: Teenagers, Tik Tok, Journey Of Self Discovery, Life

A teen that is finding her place in life. Using words to let her weirdness to shine through., to create something for people, that are a little lost too.
you don’t need to be good at something to do it
Tags: Teenagers, Boredom, Motivation, Girls, Mental Health

I haven’t yet reached this but I aim to stop comparing myself to others. I quit all my hobbies as I started to see people come into the sport and get better than me while I got worse. Comparing myself to others has completely ruined my mental health. Please learn from my mistakes. Maybe you feel like you shouldn’t write poetry or shouldn’t learn an instrument because you’re not great at it. Not to sound generic but we only live once and if we don't, you have a lot of time to live and learn. I am not great at writing poetry but I like the feeling. We need to get out of this mindset that everything you do, you have to be the best at. Have fun and do whatever the hell makes you feel happy. Embarrassing yourself is a social construct. Free yourself.
What My Teenagers are Teaching Me About Parenting
Tags: Teenagers, Parenting, Entreprenuers, Unstoppable

What My Teenagers are Teaching Me About Parenting

Remember the good old days when your littles needed hugs, wanted all your attention and threw tantrums when they didn’t get their way?

Teenagers aren’t that different.

As a single mother, I waited until my children were older to work on myself and better my career. They wouldn’t need me around as often…so I thought.

It turns out they need me now more than ever. Now at 20 and 15 they are at a pivotal moment in their life. They need guidance, support, and lots of hugs during this difficult transition in their life.

Trying to figure out where you belong and how to get there is no easy task. I mean I’m just figuring it out at 45.

It’s time to let up on the teenagers!

The suicide rate is rising year over year and we can do something about it. Your children need to know they aren’t pressured into attending college if they don’t want to or have to enter a career they hate because everyone behind them did.

Let them know it’s ok to carve their own path and then show them how to to do it. Teach them how to be an Unstoppable FORCE!

You Got This!

Dusti
A Teen in 2020
By: Adam Fergus
Tags: Teenagers, Carona Virus, Mental Health

This is the first of my papers where i will be writing about my thoughts as a teen in this age. I will be writing about mental health, school, family and religion.

In my first paper i will be writing about my thoughts on covid-19 and everything that has come with it but from a teens perspective.

Covid-19 has been different in many places across the world yet there was a similar view that everyone was in it together and that we were all to do are bit, that was all good in the beginning in march to June but after that we lost faith. i know by that point that i struggled to see what was going on, as there was a lot of confusing and false information surrounding the corona virus.

On the 20th of march was the last day for schools across the U.K as to stop the spread of the viruses as it was said as teens and young children were super spreaders. The news wasn’t much of a shock as there was already talk but no one had predicted that it the government would go through with yet they did and to take it one step more they put the whole of the U.K in a lockdown. All non essential shops would close, leisure facilities would close and no one were allowed out of your house as long as it was an emergency.

The moment the news broke, it felt the world stop and not even for a second but the whole night i wondered what just happened and what was going to happen.

The following week people were to work from home and my school work was online. I, like many teens my age had the feeling of strangeness as the freedom we had for meeting up with friends and other family relatives was gone yet we now had a new freedom of our education, a freedom i personal never felt before. This brought new challenges and struggles, the first month or two i enjoyed although the subjects i once never liked i didn’t do, things became more open as i would mostly do tasks when i felt like them instead of when i would be forced to do it. As time flew by things started to get worse and i couldn’t find away out, i was lonely and depressed, in a constant battle to find some hope or anything to keep me going but i found it hard, daily tasks were a struggle all the time, getting out of bed in the morning was the worst one of all as i saw no reason to getting up when my days were reduced to nothing. i felt that i wasn’t living but a zombie that shuffled around the house, my only purpose was to consume any food item i locked eyes on.

It was in this days were a felt all my hope lost and humanity striped away when i found the world of WitchTok.

In my next paper i will writing about the beginning of witchcraft and more.
Hi im Medusa, at least thats the nick name I gave myself, anyway… I’m 16 and this, is my diary.
Tags: Ramble, Family, Teenagers, Diary

Hi im Medusa, at least thats the nick name I gave myself, anyway… I’m 16 and this, is my diary.

Its Sunday, its 6 in the afternoon and as always I haven’t done my homework. I feel empty, and so does my stomach, I’d usually get something small to snack on. But, sadly I’m on a diet, I need to lose weight, my mom says i look a bit chubby, and I can’t say she’s wrong. My hips are too big, and every time we try to get a pair of pants is a struggle to put on… or too big in some places or to small in other places.

Anyway, apart from me being a fat ass, tomorrow I have a test. And as usual I’m lazy and don’t care about my grade since I’m so close to freedom. By that I mean Christmas vacation. I can’t wait, and this time I’ll be away from my family. Not that I don’t love them, but..I always feel…out of place.

Anyway… ill write again tomorrow, bye.
The Life of a depressed B1tch
By: Nexar Rhi
Tags: Teenagers, Money, Bitch, Tiktok App, Depressed

The Life of a depressed B1tch

Hi Im an 16 year old Teenager in 2020. You know its hard when you hear 2020 but imagine being a teenager too (UGH). So where do I start I live in a small village in Germany and I hate it here literlly everyones a racist here and everybody dont gives a shit ( just for the records Im a foreigner living in there so imagine how hard it is for me and my family and I forgot to mention that we´re one of the only foreigners there .-.). I barely go out because I hate everyone not just hate but I feel weird, everybody here has a straight B1tch style and if your style is a bit diffrent than the others your getting scary and weird looks so I dont really go out and really Im just writing here because of a tik tok hahahhahaha, the girl in the video said that you can make money with this website honestly never heard of but Im still gonna give this a try because of the moneeeeeeeeyyyy. Wish me luck guuuuys.
I am comfortable with myself.
Tags: Teenagers, Self Love, Movies, Alone, Valentines

I am comfortable with myself.

There are days when I prefer to be alone. On days like these, I do not reply to texts or call people back, I go for walks, leaving my phone behind. I sit and watch the world move into action. I live in life.

I can enjoy my own company. There are days when I prefer to be alone. I do not do much. I make tea, pick a book, and sit on the terrace, watching the clouds change their shapes.

on days like these, I used to watch movies alone. I would buy a large popcorn and enjoy it until the end of the movie. Everyone finds watching a movie alone, but not me. I have always found it refreshing. Now I watch movies alone at the accommodation.

When I’m by myself, I drool over my celebrity crush without someone nudging me from the side and saying, “she’s gorgeous”.

When I am shopping alone, I try on as many clothes as I like without having to buy sometimes.

The notebook spiled me, but I have learnt to enjoy the rain without romanticising it. On a day like a valentine, I help my friends buy the perfect gift. I write letters to all my friends; tell them I love them.

When I am myself, I associate the place with myself. No one else can ruin it for me. Sure, going out with friends and having them by your side is fun too, but occasionally everyone should be alone. If I cannot be alone myself, I definitely cannot be with others.
Life is never easy- for anyone really.
By: Stepheni Larocque
Tags: Teenagers, Diary Sort Of, Random, Day By Day, Mental Health

Life is never easy- for anyone really. Hell, being a teenager is more difficult then the shows let on. Trust me, I always looked forward to growing up and now, I’m like damn… I’m ready to go back now. This is basically me just ranting, explaining and giving tips on how to manage it from a sixteen year olds pov that’s life is full of mental illness, struggles and everything in between.
So you want to go to boarding school?
Tags: Teenagers, Boarding School, High School

Well, you’ve come to the right place. Where to even start is the question. There are many types of people sent to boarding school; you either are a horrible kid who misbehaves, your parents are tired of you, you have no choice, or you like having a good education like me. It’s basically like a mini college for high schoolers, except more rules. Be prepared to have friends for life, some learning time about yourself and others, character developing moments, and experiences you’ll never forget. As a student, I’ll give you an example of one of these. It rained so much one day that streets overflowed with water; school was cancelled so all of my friends and I went downtown to the local coffee shop where they always had warm drinks and Friends on the TV. We spent six hours there that day. On this cold day in February, we then decided to go swimming in the new pond that had formed from the excess water, and the worst part wasn’t that the water was cold, it was that my swim suit top fell off. I almost got in so much trouble for that, but it makes for a good story. Boarding school isn’t for everyone, but it sure is worth a try.
High School Horrors: Why I Hated Bus Rides as a Teenager
By: Victoria Hutt
Tags: Teenagers, High School, Schools, Life

High School Horrors: Why I Hated Bus Rides as a Teenager

Photo by Austin Pacheco on Unsplash

I was in my freshman year of high school and both of my parents worked, so I rode the bus home since I was too young to drive.

I took two different buses in the morning and the afternoon. My morning bus was always extremely full and it didn’t help that my stop was the last stop, so seats were extremely limited.

One time, there were literally a dozen kids standing because the bus was so full and there were no seats left. It was quite the ride.

In the afternoon, I took a bus with a bunch of kids I actually knew which made the ride so much more enjoyable. My stop was the second stop so I was never on for very long.

I was a few weeks into my freshman year when I had to see a teacher after school. I stayed as late as I could before I knew the bus would leave before booking it out of the school to catch it on time.

I shit you not, there were two seats left with one kid in each and when I asked if I could sit there, the girl just glared at me. She and the boy in the seat across from her were very clearly flirting or boyfriend and girlfriend or something because they kept looking at their phones and giggling at each other.

Usually, I wouldn’t have a problem with this, except that they had taken up the last two seats on the bus.

If you two want to flirt, just sit next to each other for fuck’s sake. I ended up sitting next to the girl, but she did not seem happy about it.

At one point, the guy smiled in my direction so I smiled back before realizing he was smiling at the other girl. I timidly shrunk in my seat and kept my nose buried in my backpack for the rest of the ride.

One of my other friends ended up having the same problem with this girl where she just glared at my friend for requesting to sit next to her.

My friend was a little less self-conscious than me and straight-up told this girl off for not being aware of her surroundings. She forever remains a legend in my mind for that move.

Later in the year, I ended up taking a different bus in the afternoon with maybe two dozen kids on it max. Although the driver had to pick up middle schoolers first so the bus was always late by twenty minutes, I preferred it so much more over the other bus.