Virgo
I’ve always had a bit of an issue with People Magazine, primarily because it continuously neglects me in its annual “100 Most Beautiful People” edition, but something about the cover story on this particular issue caught my attention.
“Hollywood’s Richest Kids,” it blared out at me, complete with images of the fresh-faced teens who’ve tenaciously wriggled their way into our hearts like sugary, Disney-flavored meerkats burrowing into savannah dirt.
“How these 15-and-unders are cashing it in!” People barraged me with again. There were these kids, the Miley Cyruses and Abigail Bresnins, not even old enough to garner the moniker of “young adult,” piling up sums of cash I can only drool at like some creature from the planet Kron recharging my brain.
In the middle of last month I celebrated my birthday, and before I even peeled my face off my pillow I was hit with a devastating realization; I’m 17 years old. This probably means I’m never going to be a child star. And I’ll be honest with you, readership of Orato.com, being a child star was always my fallback plan when facing the potential of a miserably mediocre life.
I’m not going to pretend that I don’t feel a slight pang of jealously writhing through my veins when I see the success of those so much younger than I. I mean, what could be better? You have economic foundations substantial enough to retire on, as well as the optimism of a whole life to be lived and enjoyed.
I’ve been raised to consistently believe that my whole life lies ahead of me - university, career, family, and generally just a copious amount of time to ascertain and assert my identity. I can’t possibly already be past my best-before date, can I?
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Comments
Re: Seventeen People And A Life To Look Forward To
By sparklyscotty, May 28, 2008 at 02:07Adrienne, I don´t think you ever have to worry about having a 'mediocre' life with such a great writing talent. Your insight into the world is bound to make your life interesting. As for growing up, or growing old, as long as you are growing then you are living a meaningful life. There are plenty of people out there who live to a ripe old age and die without ever having discovered their own identity because they never really looked for it.
On the topic of the great age debate, I am 29, and can´t wait to finally feel like a ´grown-up´. They give you security, wisdom, confidence and fulfillment when you hit the 30 mark, right?
*Sparklyscotty
Re: Seventeen People And A Life To Look Forward To
By Derek Burrows, May 21, 2008 at 18:23Ahhhh, I couldn't agree more. Being seventeen myself, there's nothing I hate more than seeing Zac Efron's beaming face patronising me from the cover of every magazine and television as he's being surrounded by legions of adoring females. The fact that a couple years of singing and dancing have gotten him more money and fame than I could ever dream of don't help either. But hey! There's light at the end of this godforsaken tunnel! It wont be long before every disney stars had some exciting scandal, and when that day comes around it will mark the end of our being overshadowed by children fractions of our age (as well as the discontinuation of some awful, awful movies). Great work as always Adrienne, amazingly well written with the underlying humour throughout! =D
Re: Seventeen People And A Life To Look Forward To
By Mike Small, May 21, 2008 at 11:0117 years old and feeling over the hill? I'm 22 and officially ancient.
Re: Seventeen People And A Life To Look Forward To
By Heather Wallace, May 21, 2008 at 11:19I think it's so funny when people in their early 20s or younger lament how "old" they are. You will look back on your younger selves one day and say, "I was so wrong." I think it's just part of coming of age - you are just starting to feel grown up and the natural instinct might be that you don't want to grow up...But of course in talking about how old you are, you are also asserting the excitement of being an adult or close to one...Deep down I know you love becoming who you guys are! Just enjoy it.
You couldn't pay me to be 17 again. How much easier the world is when you know your place in it.
:)Heather
Re: Seventeen People And A Life To Look Forward To
By Robyn Stubbs, May 22, 2008 at 10:29You're right, Heather. Instinctually, I don't wanna grow up. In fact, you COULD pay me to be 17 again - all that angst is so romantic when you no longer feel it :)
Re: Seventeen People And A Life To Look Forward To
By Heather Wallace, May 22, 2008 at 10:42I guess it depends what kind of angst you've got...mine was not very romantic, but was ego-crushing. I didn't know myself at all back then. I can tell Adrienne is light years ahead of where I was at that age...I was also in a relationship from 15 to 22 years old, so that affected me developmentally too.
Hell, you couldn't pay me to be 22 again either. 25, absolutely. 27 was the best of the 20s. 30 felt monumental - like I'd arrived somewhere. I celebrated by buying myself a diamond. ;)