The main problem that I have found in the youth these days when it comes to the complications of growing up is that some just don't want to.

The thought of having more responsibility is just mind-blowing for some people.

I am a 19 year old living in Oregon. I don't mind change and responsibility but no one wants those things to come without our control. And no matter what there will always be something that is changing in our lives to make us change, not by our own will.

Just over a year ago my nephew got badly hurt. The state could not find out what caused it. Everyone has their own ideas. But the state felt my sister and her husband were possible suspects so their two children, ages 8 months and 2 1/2 years, went into the states custody.

I then chose to take the responsibility of these two children onto my plate.

It was a crazy choice given my situation. I was 17, it was two weeks before my senior year was to begin. I had my own emotional problems at the time as well. But I bore through it.

The children remained in my care for a year almost to the day before they were given back to their parents, free of the states control.

During that year I dropped out of high school because the 3 working adults in my household had to be working full time and their was no one else but me to be with the children. I was in GED school for 3 months before that stopped working out as well. There was an agreement with many people that the responsibility would be not all mine. But not many pulled their weight so the rest of us struggled.

In that year I learned a lot about life. I learned once again how ignorant I was and am. How ignorant we all are in so many ways. I didn't want to grow up and be there them. I didn't want to put my life on hold, and change it forever. Yet I wanted my niece and nephew to be with their family, not strangers.

So I made a choice. A choice that is so hard for people my age to make.

And I grew. That change is what, in my opinion, life is about.

My boyfriend, back in high school, was driving a Firebird, working in the summer, but had the money with which to do what he pleased. He is now 20. We live in a house and pay our rent.

He wishes the days of high school could have lasted forever. Supported by our parents and playing all week.

Growing up is just like the human way of fearing the unknown.

We fear what we don't know of and who knows that the future holds?

I am now dealing with the thought of being pregnant. A step I don't want to be taking this early in my life. Now I am scared more than I have ever been in my life.

A Baby? God! Who wants to grow up?

Learn more about this author, Marie Warinner.
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