Introspection is a reflective project exploring the transitional space of late adolescence specifically the experiences of Year 13 students navigating the uncertainty before university or other life paths. Through interviews with peers and personal reflection, the project examines resilience, self-discovery, and the complexities of growing up.
Interviewees and I shared thoughts on the highs and lows of our teenage years, rating experiences between 5–7/10, and discussed advice we would give our 15-year-old selves: to embrace youth, develop confidence, communicate openly, and focus on personal growth rather than others’ expectations. Many reflected on the challenges of newfound independence, balancing freedom with responsibility, and anticipating the adult world.
Personally, I reflected on my own resilience, creativity, and adaptability. I acknowledged the excitement and fear that come with turning 18 freedom, travel, and new opportunities alongside responsibilities, bills, and the weight of independence. Across all reflections, a common theme emerged: the journey of adolescence is a formative, sometimes confusing period, but one that strengthens identity, fosters self-awareness, and opens the door to future possibilities.
Ajay
I would say that I love the fact that I am a fast learner and a creative.
I would rate my teenage years a 6 out of 10 as it could've been better but due to my ADHD it made it hard for me to do as well as I should have in school as I had a lot of excess energy which was seen as a disturbance.
One thing I would say to my 15 year old self is to enjoy your youth while it lasts. Now being 18 l do not feel much difference but the longer I am 18 | will start to notice the effects of being a legal adult.
I will be going to Trinity Laban Conservatory to study a jazz degree this September which will be a big step forward.
Something I am now scared of now being classed as an adult is having to pay bills and the full effects of the law now looming over me is something I'm not pleased about. But I do enjoy the freedom that comes with being classed as an adult.
Talia
I love my personality, the way I think and my creativity and how I have made sure to keep myself happy and sane every time I feel uncomfortable in life as well as how I've started to work on my well being. I would rate my teenage experience a 5/10 as I was not allowed to go out and enjoy social events the way I wanted to only now as I have turned 18 when I now am having the experience and enjoyment I should of been having so being 18 has been a great experience so far. Advice I would've given to my 15-year-old self would be to loosen up and work on my communication skills and personality. As I was quite shy and quiet during my early teenage years now that my communications skills have improved and I'm more open it makes it easier to socialse and build a more confident and fun personality.
Amelia
One thing about myself that I do love is my resilience and my strength. Rating my teenage experience out of 10 is quite difficult because there have been many ups and downs throughout my teenage years that would make it impossible to rank it overall out of 10. Considering that I don't have the perspective of being older and having experienced more than my teenage years should have handled, I can only compare my life now to when I was a child. I think the growth and journey you go through as a teenager is very beautiful and strengthening. During that journey you learn so much about the word around you and that it isn't so black and white there are various grey areas. In my personal experience sometimes, I wish I could go backwards in time before my eyes were opened to the reality of adults life that is approaching me.
Blair
One thing I love about myself is the ability to continuously see the best in people regardless of how they behave.
I'd rate my teenage years a 7 as it could've been better but I made the most out of the experiences that were given to me.
If I could give my 15 year old self advice it would be to stop worrying about what other people thought of you and to focus on your own life.
I believe that suddenly turning 18 does not change a person. Maybe when I gain more responsibilities I'll feel the impact of being 18.
I will be attending university to study theology, I find it extremely interesting and it's a good substitute for law.
I guess what I'm most scared of is the reality of my independence now.
From this point on-wards, I must start backing myself instead of having the help of others.
