Growing Up Is Hard

We often feel like our words fall on deaf ears when speaking to young people these days; there are so many competing voices that it seems futile to try and reach them. But with The Reality Project, these students are listening. Recently, one reminded us just how important is it to keep speaking the truth, no matter how hard it is.

“Hi, I’m a student from McMinnville High School. You came and spoke to our school this week. I just wanted to send a quick thank you your way because what you said to my group was really important to me and I can’t express how thankful I am these kids, including myself, got to hear it. 

I come from a really supportive family and household where I am constantly being given good lessons and learning from my family, but I do realize many of my peers can’t say the same about their family situations.

I’m really glad you said the things you said. It’s a sad but an unfortunate reality that these lessons, facts, and stories are just not being taught and sent down the generations like they used to be.  So having somebody like you talk to the young men and women of this generation is very beneficial.

Growing up is hard, but growing up is harder when you don’t have the guidance you need in order to deal with a major part of teenage and adult life.

I truly believe that you made an impact on the students you spoke to, at least the ones I know. So once again, thank you for speaking. I understand and appreciate that the job you have is difficult, speaking to teens is difficult, especially about these topics. I respect the work that you do, so please keep doing it.

Thank you for making a difference, whether a big or small one, in a variety of people’s lives. You’re an inspiration.”