New Adventures
Things Sophie learned about herself travelling, that helped her ease into the Bristol life.
Purpose (No, Not The Bieber Song)
Liome has thoughts on what we’re here for, and to do. Get inspired.
Did you know that the average person spends four years of their life looking down at their mobile phone?
Did you know that the average person spends 4 years of their life looking down at their mobile phone? Yeah I know you’re trying to deny this in your head. ‘I’m pretty sure I haven’t spent up to 4 years of my life on my phone. Come on…’. This was my reaction when i was watching one of Prince Ea inspirational videos on YouTube. But it’s true, do you think of how much you look down at your phone? But most importantly, how many times do you look down, down on yourself? We all have those moments when we don’t feel the best. We feel that we aren’t worth anything. We feel that we have no purpose because we feel small. Well we are right, we are small. However, we are small sparks of creation in the universe, which when all the little dots are put together, it creates a beautiful display of human nature. The little sparks are You and I. We have our shining moments, but when our shine is becoming dim, it isn’t the end. Why? Because we have purpose. And no, I do not have Justin Bieber’s album.
We have purpose. Everyone does. Even you.
We have purpose. Everyone does. Even you. So doesn’t this make us all equal? You could say that we are all parallel lines. But not all parallel lines are the same length. We are all the same but with different qualities. And by saying we have different qualities. Some people are really confident and loud, on the other hand some are more quiet and more aware of what is going on. And some people are just…yeah there isn’t a word for them. It sometimes takes me time to figure out what types of qualities people have as most people are judged by who they hang out with or what types of clothes they wear or how they style their hair. And just so you know my braids don’t mean define that I have no hair…really guys? Wearing my braids is part of my culture.
As an african british teen, a big part of my culture is to work hard, no matter the situation. Despite the common term ‘the struggle is real’, it is only culture and upbringing that has taught me to stay determined and strong. My culture has a big effect and affects most of the actions I carry out today.
Anyhoo, these stereotypes of culture doesn’t define who you are or what you are capable of.
The definition of culture is the characteristics of a particular group of people , defined by everything from language, religion, social habits, music and arts. * Takes in the meaning in but still doesn’t have a single clue*.
To give an example, if you’re black, it is thought that your culture includes you including KFC as your 2nd home…well not for me y’all, I’m a McDonalds girl. And Quarter Pounder’s are best especially with a Strawberry milkshake. Anywho, these stereotypes of culture doesn’t define who you are or what you are capable of. Another example is young people, mostly teenagers, most people see our culture as taking selfies and staring at their phones, until their pupils turn into squares, like there’s no tomorrow. Nowadays, we only see this generation’s hands attached to their phones. And it’s a sad sight to see as it presents an image of laziness and failure. But that is where those stereotypical mids are wrong. Even, I may found to be a part of that group (hopes that she isn’t part of that group), but it doesn’t determine what type of future I have. Who knows what the future holds for me. Since we all have a purpose shouldn’t I at least have the same support as someone who reads books 24/7? Lord Sugar dropped out of school at 16 but now has a solid net worth of £1.4bn (2015). Just because we are portrayed not get anywhere, doesn’t mean we can’t flourish. The sky shouldn’t be no longer a limit but a goal for us all. Let’s aimd for the universe, for the planets, we can make it without a rocket.
I can’t tell you to change your life completely and turn into an angel. Only Beyonce can do that.
At the start of the year, I was admitted to hospital with Sinusitis (where your sinuses become inflamed) and pre-meningitis for 2 weeks. I had a picc line in my arm for 2 months (a cannula but more sufficient). This was a time, where everyone around told me that I should take time to recover and not try and do anything. With mock exams coming up, many teachers told me not to worry about failing, just because of my condition. This is where they were wrong. No matter what situation any is going through, no one should be limited due to what others see of them. We should all be supported without any obligations. Moreover we should support each other on this ongoing journey of life, we it is likely for us to go in a direction where we’re not expected to arrive. Thankfully, I had my parents to support and push me when others wanted to slow me down. If I didn’t have them, I probably wouldn’t be writing this right now. So…shoutout to good parents! *slight cringe*.
So how is this supposed help me in life? – you may ask. To conclude, I can’t tell you to change your life completely and turn into an angel. Only Beyonce can do that. But I want to advise you realise how blessed you are. We’ve been blessed with the gift of life, which should be celebrated with every breath, as one day we won’t be able to. So I leave you with this, a tiny spark cannot be seen without a little light, faith and purpose.
Want something positive to do this Summer? Look to the Rife Guide for a wonderful array of opportunities and events.
You may also be interested in
Fear of the future: why it’s okay to not be okay
Josie feels like she's disappearing in post-uni self-doubt.
The Joys Of Working In Retail At Christmas
It's that time of year again, Barker enlightens us on working in retail at Christmas and the struggles that come...
About the author
Liome Ogunbiyi
Liome is a 15-year-old student who is passionate about graphic design and photography. Being 5ft 10 tall, she can be found not playing on a basketball court but found a local McDonald’s restaurant debating about anything and everything. Her hobbies include, reading, drawing, looking for fried chicken recipes and catching up on her childhood by watching Disney series all day.
About Rife
Curious about who we are and what we do? Have a read of this.
Contributors
Here are our contributors – the amazing young people that made all the stuff on Rife.
