Natasza Kaczmarczyk, 2a Pre-DP
As children, we were told tales of bravery by media and the wider culture, with stories of iconic superheroes, such as Spider-Man, Thor, Black Widow, and countless others. However, as we grow older, we seek more realistic role models because it's hard to relate to bravery when it's accompanied by fantastical superpowers like flying or superhuman speed. So, where can we find role models that inspire us, and how can we translate their wisdom and experiences into our own lives?
As a teenager, I understand how difficult it can be to hear phrases like "others have it worse" or "think about all the poor people in this world" when we're struggling with our own problems. No matter how many times we hear these words, it doesn't make our own challenges any less significant. All this really does is undermine our feelings because we can't fully understand what we can't relate to. However, there's potential for learning from these comparisons if we approach them with an open mind. Even though we may not fully understand someone else's experiences, being open to learning about them can help us deal with our own problems and challenges in a different way.
Let's explore a subject that hits close to home for those of us living in Poland: the conflict in Ukraine and the bravery of soldiers who fight all around the world. Soldiers undergo extensive training, both physical and mental, but there are valuable lessons they learn that can be applied to everyday life. Take, for example, the simple saying "We're all in the same boat." Just like soldiers in the field, we all have our challenges, yet we share the desire to find our “tribe”, the people we feel connected to. While some individuals may find it easier to talk openly and be vulnerable, for many it's a skill that's learned and developed over time. So why not be open to learning and trying it out ourselves? Have we really got something to lose?
Certainly, social relationships are fundamental in the lives of most teenagers. However, understanding others completely can be a challenge, as highlighted in various documentaries and books, such as "Games People Play" by psychiatrist Eric Berne (which we highly recommend to all students interested in psychology and human relations).
Another lesson we can learn from the soldiers is to adapt to our surroundings. During the first week of training, known as "hell week," instructors create chaos by yelling and flipping over beds, chairs, and tables while demanding recruits complete various tasks. This is meant to simulate the chaos of war. Candidates often find it tough to handle the yelling, but instructors remind them that real war will be even harder with lives at stake. Recruits must either adapt or leave. Those who adapt learn to cope better with stress. It's important to plan ahead for stressful situations to make decisions easier when they happen. If you anticipate facing a stressful situation, try visualising it beforehand and acclimating yourself to the stress. This way, when it happens, you'll be better prepared to handle it.
We all aspire to be braver and better versions of ourselves, and there are many ways to accomplish that, but it's not a simple journey. Take little steps, and don't be afraid because you never know what great things might happen if you just try.
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