ONE day, sometime in primary school, I announced to my loved ones that I was going to be an artist.
I’d spend my days creating in the studio, attending museum openings with friends and, most importantly, thriving in the bustling, beautiful big smoke.
When I was a child, the city seemed almost mythological.
Any time I set foot onto its unmistakable, alcohol-stained cement, my heart swelled to twice its size and a flurry of dopamine hit the brain.
The city became a symbol of life, fun and opportunity, but like a feathered bird in Victoria’s duck season, my aspirations were shot down by the gun of reality; I lived, and continue to live, in a small town.
Small towns: home to pensive retirees, golf course advertisements and the realisation you’re related to a neighbour.
Life is highlighted by towering men in cowboy hats, footy wins and good gossip over a pub feed … but while word travels fast in these places, nothing beats the speed at which teenagers are leaving – why?
Though renowned for close-knit communities and warm hearted people, leading your own path can prove to be difficult.
As a 15-year-old, much of my time is spent lending an ear to other girls, reassuring them that one day our voices will be heard. Whilst told to follow our dreams and do what feels right, we’re also reminded of the conventions holding us back.
But more than ever, with help from the internet, teenagers are being exposed to non-traditional ways of life, generating a surge in experimentation and change. Spend more time with kids my age and you’ll find a display of peculiar fashions, counterculture and a hunger for more – observations that also apply to those in small towns.
With this increased influence on the youth, a lack of acceptance has grown strong.
Since I was small, my interests have been a topic of judgment between adults and peers.
At 10 years old, I already felt ostracised for my point of view, hoping that one day I’d simply give in and stop being myself.
Now that I’m older, I see that staying true is the most important part, and if that means withstanding the pressures of those that disapprove, I’m willing to take it.
As well as learning this, I’ve also come to appreciate the importance of my home.
I realised I wasn’t only conforming to the standards of my locals, but also those who lived in foreign, urban worlds.
My perspective was consumed by a fear of judgment, despite the objective revolving around self-confidence.
I’m now grateful for the joys my small town has humbly offered, and I take pride in this lifestyle city folk will never know.
Growing up as a teenager will always be tough, especially when you feel you’re not accepted as you are. But embracing every part, even in the face of those that hate, is the most worthwhile challenge of all.
*Jessmarie Long is a Year 10 student at Kerang Technical High School on work experience at The Guardian.
“Being here has exposed me to a new world of writing, giving me further admiration for both journalists and Swan Hill residents,” she said.
“From conducting an interview, to practicing photography and, of course, perfecting a piece, I feel proud to know I was contributing to the community.
“Writing is one of my biggest passions and the effort put into making a paper is nothing short of inspiring. I hope this endeavour is my first of many and marks a big step towards a future career.”
