Coming of Age by Ilana Drake (17, New York)*

observe as the boys in your class bristle when you refuse to believe each and every one of their words. you are starting to have your own thoughts and opinions, as you understand the power of your voice; read their texts saying “not to publicly go against” what they say and think about playing hopscotch in the yard during recess. think about the goal as you remember the numbered squares in elementary school and the way you could just jump without falling. hesitate to have a different point of view and utter the words of dissent that they don’t want to hear. ponder the question of if you should speak or stay silent.

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try to ignore the catcalls on the street as you go for a run. sprint when you’re on an empty street and feel that you have unwanted company. stand near the lights so that if danger is near, you will be seen. light is your friend. walk quickly when the sun disappears and the moonlight serves as a poor substitute.

start to understand the fear that’s building up inside your body. start to realize that being a teenage girl is chaos. start to raise your hand in class even when the male teacher won’t call on you. start to review those derivatives that continue to spiral in your head like the stars above that move around the center of the galaxy.

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