Adolescence-yuck

No one could pay me enough money to go back to those days of being an adolescent. Being the eldest in my family, I was second cook and bottle wash. I was 13 when the baby sister was born and I picked up a lot of responsibilities at that time because my mother needed my help taking care of other 2 brother and 2 sisters that I had. I think because I was not as care free as a lot of the kids in my class I ended up feeling older and better able to relate to the adults in my world than other kids my age. I felt like I was on the outer fringes looking in. I did not feel like I had much in common with them. I was able to get alone with others, but given a choice of reading a good book rather than playing follow the leader of the cliche, I would opt for the book. Part of my problem was that I was somewhat shy and very awkward because I was much more physically mature also. In groups, I usally look for an underdog that looked more uncomfortable than I did helped them and myself at least feel like we were part of something. It was nice to know that others were feeling awkward trying to find their spot too. I think that often time we don't outgrow those feelings even as an adult. I think being able to put myself in someone elses shoes will definitely help in my future roll as a counselor.