Chapter The Challenges of Middle and Late Adolescence > — Challenges During Adolescence > Three Filipino Adolescents, Three Heroes > Defining Responsibilities and ExpectationsChallenges During Adolescence Go online and watch the video “How the Worst Moments in Our Lives Makes Us Who W Are” by Andrew Solomon on Ted.com. Inthe video you just watched, “forging meaning” means changing ourselves, and “buildin identity” means changing the world, It deals with challenges people face—challenges that ca occur even at very early ages, to adolescence, and to adulthood. What particular challenges do middle and late adolescents face? In the previous chapte we studied about the crisis or conflict that comes with adolescence as theorized by Er Erikson. He identified identity vs. role confusion as the developmental challenge an adolesce!cml Batata. c ee ward Sexuality and Sexual Relationships Puberty drives the adolescent to experience surges of sexual desires, which often lead them to experimentation and exploration While this is often healthy to eng: 1 the: is the danger of losing control over one's sexu. drives which may end up in Ifetime of regrets : Adolescents exploring their semuality should be able to draw their limits in terms of sexual expressions, and should be responsible enough to see the future Fesults or consequences of their behaviors. Sexual relationship is healthy when the adolescent sees this a: part of a loving relationship and not as something that Is. just for exploration or ple. What is the proper and healthy attitude toward sexuality and sexual relationships? The attitude of being responsible for one’s actions is the guiding, principle toward a healthy sexuality. Responsibility implies dealing with one’s sexuality as part of establishing a healthy self-concept or self-identity, Being responsible also implies that entering into relationships is all about genuine loving and caring for the other person, and not just to satisfy one’s urges and needs which can lead to bigger problems like teenage pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. Love is genuine when the intent is to help the other person develop his or her talents and potentials according to personal values, and to encourage them to become a better person. Love is also based on respect for the other person’: uniqueness, which means accepting and respecting that he or she is different from you; has a different set of priorities in life; has different values that he or she gives more importance to; has a personal plan for the future; and has different emotions and feelings, attitudes, thoughts, and likes and dislikes.The role of a student is the primary role of an adolescent who is still in school. Although there are other roles he or she may take, being a student takes primary importance. While many adolescents become problematic with their academic studies, what is most important is the attitude that they need to embrace when studying. What is the proper attitude a learner should have? Being responsible is called for when dealing with academic challenges, aware that academic grades are not the only indicators of learning. Distipln Gpenness, perseverance, diligence, excellence, curiosity, analytical and crit thinking, memory, understanding, cooperation and team work, respecting otha People’s opinions and beliefs, social interactions, leadership, and followership are some of the important skills and values that an adolescent student can also lear, while in school. Aside from learning these skills, one also acquires knowledge whi. studying. Memorization and comprehension are necessary elements in obtaining knowledge. Oftentimes, what is being tested in schools is the body of knowledy: one acquires and absorbs, and grades usually reflect this. However, some school, are also aware that critical thinking and reasoning are equally important and the:s are also tested and graded. This is the reason why grades are important, in spite cf some contrary belief that they do not accurately measure genuine learning. if one wishes to pursue academic excellence and further studies, then grades are critica! linc 9° eS tn artGroup Belongingness An adolescent wants to belong. While there is an urge to be independent and autonomous from his family and parents, there is also an urge to seck a replacement of this support system, this time in the form of social groupings such as school friends, memberships in organizations, and community. An adolescent with a low self-esteem might be drawn toward organizations that promise camaraderie in the form of walang iwanan, do-or-die, or one- for-all-and-all-for-one kind of social support. However, there is a possibility that these types of organizations may be more destructiv? than constructive. Healthy and wholesome organizations whose objectives aim to help individuals develop themselves are better choices. An adolescent should not be lured by organizations that promise “exclusivity” or “superiority,” ofter touting false courage through strength in their numbers. Avoiding organizations that adhere to violence and other anti-social behaviors is a responsibility of the adolescent because he is responsible for his own welfare, his family, nds and his schoolHealth and Nutrition Ahealthy mind and body is what every adolescent (and everybody else) should strive for. However, adolescents, because of their growing bodies and brains, are gifted with so much energy that seems inexhaustible, oftentimes resulting in abuse of one’s body and mind. Lack of sleep and Poor eating habits often result in disaster. Learn to listen to your body. Avoid unhealthy food such as items laden with bad oils and fats often served in fast food chains and drinks that contain high amount of processed sugar. Drink plenty of clean water and regulate intakes of rich foods, such as desserts and animal meat and fat. Dieting might work for some but the long-term results are not commendable because more often than not, the person returns eventually to his bad eating habits. Instead, embrace a healthy lifestyle for yourself. Every time you put something inside your body, ask first the question, “Will this make me healthy or note”Developing or Regaining Self-Esteem Are you having difficulty acknowledging your strengths and positive traits? Many experienced life coaches and facilitators for personal growth often observe how many adolescents, and even some adults, when asked the question about what their strengths are, would often get stumped by the question and will take a long time before they could create a list. It seerns easier for them to list down their weaknesses and challenges, and the list for this Is more often than not, longer than. the list of their strengths. Adolescents who are creating their self-identity should be objective and balanced when viewing themselves. Being objective means seeing oneself as having both strengths and weaknesses or having positive and negative traits, Balancing how one see's oneself means to avold aver-emphasizing an aspect of one’s identityRoles All human beings’ have roles to play in their lives. Roles are part of one’s identity, such as being a son or daughter to your parents, being a brother or sister to your siblings, being a student in your school, or a member ef your — organization, Although these roles seem separate and different from each other, adolescents must learn to integrate all these roles and it should be clear that these roles are related to the tasks expected of them by others. When there is a disparity between one’s self-identity and the roles one play, then confusion arises. For example, an adolescent, who is a student, has studying as his or her top pricrity. However, this adolescent being the eldest in his family may also be required by the parents to take care of his or her younger siblings and may be asked to work after school to help in providing for the family. Ideally, balancing the time between these roles may help the adolescent in adjusting to the situation This healthy adolescent will recognize not merely the roles but the values being expected from him or her, such as personal and family responsibilities, love for family, and basic survival. Balancing his or her time and energy in addressing the responsibilities demanded by each role can be achieved through discipline and time management. When these values are clear in the mind of this adolescent, role confusion ts: rmore elfactwely addreked7. Material Poverty There are many stories about school children and adolescent students who live In far-flung areas where infrastructure is not available and of those who do not have much choice but to walk when going to school, Some walk for hours, some 1056 rivers and streams, and others po up the hills and mountains, before they can reach their school, Storles of students who could not go to school because they do not have money for food and transportation are usually exploited in movies and lelevision, How does an adolescent, whose family barely has enough to live by, face this challenge of material scarcity? In this chapter, three adolescents whoAnother social phenomenon experienced by many Filipino families today linked to poverty are parents who leave their families to work abroad to suppor, the needs of their families. How many families are affected by this phenomenon? What is the impact of an absent parent on a child who is growing up withonly one parent, or even no parent at home? Studies are showing the social costs of this labor migration that leaves young, vulnerable children behind. In an article entitled “Migration and Filipino Children Left Behind: A Literature Review" by Professor Melanie Reyes of the Miriam College Women and Gender Institute for the UNICEF, Professor Reyes wrote that several studies showed how migration of parents is indeed heartbreaking for children, making them long for parental care, get confused over gender roles, be vulnerable to abuse, and even develop consumerist attitudes. The author gave recognition to the economic gains brought about by labor migration to both the nation and the families of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). However, there is also an undeniable impact of parental absence in the home and the social implications of this phenomenon.tate arnt of meters fr ame. ee a | ‘mina she so wt ol ey abe ‘ttm Clin th whe a Ben et we they wee ee Maser tr nant omen of te mensch ‘Tee her azo senate ‘sie tay va thor ee cs ah Sate eae pone en mn wc oon woy ona Rieder iS fom Soar ase Pca oa orem weta etl The adolescent who is creating identity for himself is faced with an urcent need to identify what course to take in college and establish a career path for the future. While many private schools provide career counseling and guidance that involve testing and interviews, the adolescent can be more proactive by accessing, many resource materials found in the internet to help him identify his capabilities and skills and the wide choices of work that he can take. A sample website accessible to anyone is the Alberta, Canada government website, Alberta Learning, Information Service or ALIS, which offers many assessment tools in charting career choices where results are immediately provided. Just be aware that the website Primarily caters to Canadians, and therefore puts inta consideration the need: of the Canadian labor market and jobs within Canada. To find out, visit: hitp://alis. alberta.ca/ce/career-explorers.htrnl. When finding the right career, adolescents need to know what their interests ‘are, what things they find exciting and challenging, and what their skills are. It has often been said that in pursuing a career, look at what you love to do and are passionate about, pursue it, make plans, execute the plans, and success will eventually follow. But here is a word of caution: be ready to make sacrifices before. you can attain the kind of wealth and fame that may come in doing what you love todo. Many years ago, there was a need for nurses to work abroad. Suddenly, hundreds of schools started to offer nursing Courses producing an oversupply of Rew nurses. The job market for nurses was quickly saturated and the demand for nurses dropped. These jobless nursing graduates either took other courses so they could find more relevant jobs, or took jobs that did not require them to use their skills as a nurse. They had to retool or reinvent themselves to gain employment. For example, a new career in information technology or entrepreneurship may bea better choice than nursing. Another example ‘euepatieene dempmeiat metiienaiiaimarada ermineRerationsnips Maintaining healthy relationships require a certain level of maturity. An adolescent who is still in the process of acquiring maturity. may often fing maintaining relationships challenging. At home, a female adolescent who desires autonomy and independence will encounter more parental objections. She may not be allowed to attend social gatherings without chaperones, or go to out-of-town trips with males in the group. When this happens, relationships at home are strained, and the adolescent who does not see the real purpose of why her parents are restricting her will react negatively to such restrictions. What is important is for the adolescent to understand that her parents are concerned for her safety and well-being, and for the values her parents uphold, and restricting her may be a way of showing that they care for her. Among friends, adolescents can be more relaxed. This is the stage when friendships develop easily and frequently. Adolescents find it easier to bond with friends rather than with family members who “do not understand them.” Healthy friendships are necessary for adolescents’ social development, but the challenge in maintaining them are also equally challenging. Rumors can easily destroy friendly vetuteraiiins:Ask a typical adolescent what he believes in or what values he upholds, and often you get a shrug of the shoulders as a reply. As discussed in the previous chapter, the adolescent is still developing his cognitive skill that he can use in thinking of abstract concepts and asking critical questions. However, If the question was rephrased to something like, “What will you fight for or die for?” Adolescents have a quick answer, and this is usually their family or loved ones. If this is the case, what universal human value do adolescents uphold? It can be relationships and/ oF family. Ask another question like what they believe in, and often the answer is something related to their religious belief. Though this may not necessarily be incorrect, belief is not just limited to religious matters, but also to human needs like 2 safe and clean environment. The challenge of knowing what is important and of great value to an adolescent is linked to one’s self-concept and identity. An adolescent who puts great value in life will preserve life in all instances. This value may be reflected in an adolescent’s stand against the death penalty or any senseless crimes that take away people's right to live. While to some, safety and security might be of value to them, it is because lives may be put at risk if people are not safe and secure. The adolescent is hereby invited to ask themselves these questions in order to find out what are important to them and to their lives: “What will | fight against?” or 10 lose?” or “What can | not live without?” You can commit12. TN ENE 2 ME EIN G MST NM eee. Other Challenges There are many other challenges facing adolescents, and some may not even be aware that they are experiencing them, such as depression. There are telltale signs of depression an adolescent should be aware of. If you suspect that you are experiencing depression, talk to your parents, guardian, or school guidance counselor. Be open about it. Experiencing depression is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens even to the best of us, Reflection: What challenges do you think did our National heroes like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio face during their ado- lesconca?B Three Filipino Adolescents, Three Heroes Gregorio del Pilar (*Goyong,” “Boy General”) was fondly called by ¥ family as “Goyong” and eventually referred to by his fellow revolutions, coutesy, as “Boy General” for being the youngest ever to be commissioned int o such by the Filipino revolutionary forces that fought the Spaniards sia the Americans. Goyong was born in Bulacan on November 14, 1875, 4, graduated from the Ateneo Municipal de Manila with a bachelor’s tlogres At the age of 20, he joined the revolutionary forces against the Spanien, headed by Bonifacio. He was killed in the Battle of Tirad Pass in Ilocos Sir fighting the American colonialist forces. He died on December 2, 1g99 the age of 24. (Biography Archive, 2014, July 22). 1 M Gregorio Del Pilar~ Edgar Jopson (“Edjop”) was born on September 1, 1948, of middle class parents who owned a small grocery store in Sampaloc, Manila. He graduated as the valedictorian of his high school class in Ateneo. He was an active high school student, joining organizations such as the Atenes Catechetical Instruction League, Solidarity of Mary, and the Student >A ~ Catholic Action. While taking up law at the University of the Philippines, became the Student Council President and the President of the Nations! "Edgar Jopson Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), He was also honored for his | achievements as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines | (TOYM) in 1970. During the Martial Law years under President Marcos, he became a moderate activist. Stories abound about his dialogue with Marcos in Malacafiang during the First Quarter Storm where he asked Marcos not to seek a third term. It was said that Marcos rebuked him with a sarcastic statement, “Who are you to tell me what to do? You / _ areonly.ason of a grocer!” Edjop eventually became more radical with his political views after having been exposed to various situations depicting the excesses of Martial Law. He joined the revolutionary forces of the underground movement. In 1979, he was arrested and tortured in prison. He managed to escape imprisonment and continued his underground work. In 1982, while eluding arrest, he was gunned down on his way out. He was 34, (Pimentel, 2006, August 14)-—- | ] Efren Pefiaflorida ("Efren") was just 16 years old when he started | an organization called Dynamic Teen Company with his fellow student to keep adolescents like him away from trouble, The organization wert 3) into youth awareness Projects, talent and self-development activities, “and community services before it eventually discovered a way to hel? Poor children who could not afford to G0 to school. His innovative project f , ‘was termed as “pushcart classroom,” also termed locally as the karitot / classroom because they use pushcarts to carry school supplies and books, Eten Pefafhda Which they use for the classes that they hold in unusual places, such a dumpsites and cemeteries,