I have noticed the competitiveness of childhood from a shockingly early start. In just the third grade, we were asked to take tests to give students with high-achieving minds a chance to challenge themselves. These are eight year-olds, people. This should be a time to enjoy the world around you, explore your interests, hang out with friends—not be stuck in a separate classroom while you wondered why you were there. From middle school, schools already offer courses for high school credits, and then in high school, it’s absolute chaos. 

I’ve never understood why we must begin adulthood so early. At 18, most people struggle to find themselves and their interests. They haven’t been given a proper chance to discover anything. Some adults even above that age do not know what their aim is—other then getting up, going to work, and coming home. And most of the time, this lack of a goal is detrimental to one’s future. Opportunities are missed, loved ones are ignored, and you find yourself miserable. I myself have been a victim of mental health problems because of the stress and the uncertainty, and know a scary amount of people who are also in my position.

In my petition, I propose an idea. This idea is essential to the people of every generation. Let’s lengthen our experience as a child. Let’s spend more time growing. Let’s build our future slowly but properly, one block at a time.