“I made a choice; this is my path”
-Peter Parker
From a young age, we were all given strict guidelines by our parents or guardians, in order to keep us safe. Phrases along the lines of: “Don’t talk to strangers online” and “Don’t stick a penny in an electrical socket” are repeated to us. But truthfully, did anyone actually follow the guidelines? Children are driven by curiosity and satisfaction of discovering something new. Personally, I was given the title “Goody Two-Shoes” because I usually followed my parents’ rules. As a child, I tended to play video games and watch television an hour more than I should be. And, secretly snuck candy into my pockets.
Reflecting on my childhood, there were many opportunities I missed because I was told not to participate in certain activities. The activities would be “too dangerous” or “too time-consuming”, according to my parents. Similarly, Peter Parker from Spider man: Homecoming was carefully watched by his protective Aunt May, who would rather run away from danger than prevent it. But the difference between Peter Parker and I is that, despite what Aunt May said about avoiding danger, he still took a risk and became Spider man. When he transforms into his alter-ego, Peter was able to help many people in danger and feel the satisfaction of doing good deeds.
As each day passes, I’ve come to a realization that the words of others cannot make up for the lessons I can learn from experiencing situations first-hand. I can’t turn back time to accept the opportunities that I missed, but knowing from my past, I can make my own judgments as to what actions need to be taken in order for me to grow.
