Life is like a circus. An entertaining circus needs a little bit of everything—elephants, acrobats, magic, and people! A fulfilled life needs to strike a balance between social experiences, school demands,, and extracurriculars.  With all the opportunities we are afforded as teens, the sooner we learn the balancing act, the happier we will be.

Elephants

What is a circus without elephants? When I think of this traveling extravaganza, elephants are first on my list. Elephants are the necessities of living.  It’s important to prioritize the most important elements in your life.  Before committing to any other activities, ask yourself: “Will this take away from my elephants?” “Right now my biggest priority is lacrosse. It’s my first year on varsity and my coaches expect a lot,” sophomore Sommar Ververka said. “Although I’d like to say that school is my number one concern, it just doesn’t seem that way.” 

Acrobats

At the show, it’s incredible seeing people moving in ways that you didn’t think were possible. Flipping, contorting, and flying through the air, acrobats may not be essential but they keep the circus exciting and thrilling. In life, it’s good to have something that takes us out of our comfort zone, even if it means giving up something else. “School is my main focus but lately, speech and debate tournaments have been a huge added interest,” freshman Andrew Chow said. “Although I haven’t had time to hang out with friends, I don’t regret joining public speaking.” 

People:

Without people to clap and holler, there is no circus. Humans are social animals. In life, you need people to talk to, trust, have fun with, and lean on when the stress is overwhelming. Junior Andrew Bower commented. “I enjoy working with friends on school assignments and then we go out to eat afterwards as a reward for our hard work.”

Magic:

Watching magicians is like watching kids eat candy for the first time. Magicians are the extra sprinkle on top of the cupcake.  Activities that add pizzazz to your routine are the magic of your life. They’re the last things you add on and often the first things you give up. Before adding to your already full plate, make sure you are juggling the rest of your circus well. “For me, Netflix is a never ending world of discovery,” senior Jenny Li said.  Junior Meghan Rogers’ magical moments are drawing and writing in her spare time. 

Balancing is all about knowing how comfortable you are with juggling. You can’t do everything and balancing involves choosing and compromising wisely. To achieve success, we aspire to include the entire circus-elephants, acrobats, people, and magic. Pursue what you truly desire, then, remember to build slowly on top of your main priority, your elephants. 

BeTheStarYouAre

Youngjoo Ahn, a senior at Miramonte High School is the President of Club BTSYA, Host of Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio, and a fan of the circus, especially elephants.  Read the article Here. 

As the editor and teen coach for Teen Scene for the newspaper, Cynthia Brian has had the opportunity to work with talented teens with attitude and opinions. She shares selected published works. To read numerous articles shepherded by Cynthia on Be The Star You Are. Cynthia Brian also produces Express Yourself!™ on Voice America Kids Network heard Tuesdays NOON PT or for photos, descriptions, links, and more.

More information about the show at Express Yourself Radio!

Express Yourself!™ Teen Radio is produced by Cynthia Brian of Starstyle® Productions, llc as an outreach program of Be the Star You Are!® charity. For information on being a guest email info@BetheStarYouAre.org. To make a tax-deductible donation to keep this positive youth programming broadcasting weekly to international audiences. Thanks for supporting teens!