Youth - a fleeting period in time

by Lakshmi PEIRIS

Speaking of youth with no barrier to age, gives a feeling that cannot be put into words. An individual will prefer to be a youth forever if that was possible. But nothing can stop its fading after a certain age. Everyone of us passes through that spectacular period of time. The present generation of youth will face the youth of the future and will always cherish memories of their youth.

What is Youth? Youth is being young. Young in age or as most of us are "young at heart".

Youth will last a limited period of time wherein required standards in life are reached through optimum effort.

Yes of course, youth is really alive and during our youth we have to make things happen through our power of strength.

Dreams and hopes will always be in youth to be fulfilled in various ways.

The feelings of youth are different-loving, sincere, warm, affectionate, they make an emotional scenario. Differences or changes may occur, as feelings do not remain the same at all times. Feelings of revenge, anger, harm and hasty decisions develop in to extremes and end up as tragedies and suicides.

The path for success has to be built up. Youth will be a disaster if the correct path is not taken.

Education

The seed of ambition is planted once we reach this demanding age. We try to understand and think of reaching the desired goals. Challenges have to be faced. Education is the starting point.

Education takes us into great hights as being successful at examinations, appreciation, recognition, and awards follow.

Failure should be seen as a blessing and a step to future success. Completion of school education will be the most memorable and valued souvenir of youth.

If education can be completed to a certain level or up to the standard of a degree it will be deemed a success.

Advices

Theory must to be combined with the practical. Theory is what we learn and study through books and other materials. Practical knowledge could be gained by listening to advices given by parents, teachers and elders.

These will be of help to make the correct decision when planning your fiture.

As they are the persons who know you better than anyone else. They understand you, your hidden values and talents, your weaknesses and failures.

As youth you are not aware of society and its extremes and do not have exposure or experience in life. Discussing your difficulties and problems and important matters draws their attention to you and will make you more comfortable. It will also satisfy and release you from unnecessary burdens.

When choosing a profession or securing employment queries line up, like, where and in what capacity? There are answers.

As youth, you know better than anyone else what your capabilities and talents are, the best way you can develop your skills. It may vary from a range of professions - Medical, Engineering, Administration, Agriculture, Art and Drama, Dancing and Singing.

The avenues are open. The path is yours. Select the best suited to you.

Hardships

Hardships and obstacles, enter the path youth must faced.

Failures, mental stress, change in attitudes, expected results not being in line, inability to secure employment, facing tough and unexpected situations are some of them. Self confidence will build up within you to overcome these situations.

Remedies for such issues are - to discuss your problems with others - either with your parents or a close relative. Your religion will also be an asset to solve any problem during your youth.

The problems youth face today is lack of educational opportunities, unemployment, drugs and inflation. As youth you can come forward offering your services.

You can help and assist persons who are in need covering areas such as financial support, clothing, education, counselling. It should come from of your heart. Youth must not leave room for regrets.

We have heard the following refrain over and over again. "I'm sorry I could not do this when I was a young chap or a young girl." A situation of this nature occurs when a person in his or her youth does not have a proper target to achieve, in mind.

As youth there should be determination that during this limited period of time you would reach your best.

Drugs, smoking and consuming alchol are dangerous. What will happen to a youth when he is addicted to drugs? Dust is flung in his path and his whole life is in danger.

Not only the person, the family too suffers. As youth we have to keep a sharp eye to save ourselves and overcome, and take precautionary action and remedies before hand to avoid these.

Before youth takes off from our lives we have to complete the tasks relevant to us, to make use of our talents, gain recognition and status in society, assist others and find remedies to prevent and solve problems by offering our support and assistance in whatever way we could.