Black Belt Testing Narrative

When does someone reach adulthood? Usually, one defines themselves as an adult when they turn eighteen, but there is more than simply turning another year older. Adulthood has a physical aspect where by turning eighteen a person is considered an adult biologically, but there is a psychological aspect as well where a person is mentally mature and able to make decisions for themselves. In Barn Burning by William Faulkner, he writes about a young, hungry, and illiterate boy, Colonel Sartoris, who deals with the matters of right and wrong. He has to make a decision on sticking with his blood, even though he is treated wrongly by his father, or doing what he feels is right. There are moments where he falters in his choices after his moment

What helped me see that have transitioned into an adult was during induction on November of this year for Alpha Phi Nu chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. It was a very formal event where all the new members are called my name and they sign their name into a special book for induction. I was upstage as not just a member but as a VP of Scholarships for my chapters speaking to the new members. Sitting in the front of the stage nervous but excited to give this small speech of thanks to a choir that sang for us and saying congratulations to the new members. Being given such a huge responsibility, that I would have most likely not have done when I was younger was such a huge step for me. I was always told that sometimes adults would have to do things they

Thump. Thump. The beating of my heart increased. Thump, thump thump. What was I feeling? Why am I under so much pressure? These were all questions that I had asked myself prior to my first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match. All of my hard work, an entire year of consistent training, led up to this moment – the second I would have to step on to the match and prove myself.

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Although it is unavoidable, the decisions made by each individual will shape the lives of their future selves. In conclusion, the process, whether gradual or forced, will continue to occur. Adulthood cannot be avoided, and although it is a rather unnoticed process, coming of age will happen all the

Have you ever heard of the cub pilot? Well I learned a similar lesson in a different way. It was the first time I had ever taken a karate test.

At the age of 12, I began my training as an assistant karate instructor. Along with teaching young students, I competed in tournaments which allowed me to improve as a martial artist and leader.

Emerging adulthood is a period of development that coincides with college, around years 18-25 (Arnett, 2000). At this stage, young adults fully learn about themselves, their roles, and who they are.

On the drive to Highland Ranch Elementary School, I started recalling how I started karate. I began in fourth grade as an afterschool program. Our small class only had five people. I remember that I was the only one able to go to the studio and test for the next rank. Thinking back, I was really glad that I was able to test because I’m pretty sure that I wouldn’t have continued if the teacher didn’t tell me that I could test for the next belt. Continuing karate helped

I walked to my assigned mat with one thought in mind- the state meet. We both knew each other’s wrestling styles and were wrestling a bit tentatively in order to avoid any mistakes. After what seemed like an

The entrance into adulthood is unavoidable for everybody, which can be intimidating for majority because, “the real world” that people have been preaching about is finally upon you. The people that talk about the how awful the world can be, are attempting to prepare you for what is over the horizon, but instead, you just want life to remain the same as is. Denial is the first stage of Kübler-Ross stages of loss and grief, so it is common for most to not listen to elders about life. Only you will know what life is through your own experiences hence, everyone will have a different transition into adulthood. Transitions into adulthood can differ from a collection of options: Postsecondary prep, self- determination, money management skills or building a work résumé. Once the

There is a time where everyone has to stop being a kid and grow up to become an adult. It is different for all depending on many things; such as culture, how you were raised, the environment you lived around, and when you want to actually grow up and become something of yourself. For Indians cultures, it might be you have to go own a journey of some sort, Africans you might have to go kill a lion, for most Americans it is going off to college. At least for me, it’s going off to college. You face many things when in college that will prepare you for the rest of your life. College is a “trial” for adulthood.

“She understood that the hardest times in life to go through were when you were transitioning from one version of yourself to another.”- Sarah Addison Allen. Transitioning from childhood to adulthood can be a very challenging time, but it is a necessary transition that has to occur. Accomplishments and events within a culture, community, or family can help a child mark their entrance into a mature state, adulthood.

In the US, legal adulthood comes at 18, but it is my understanding that adulthood comes through responsibility, tears, laughter, and most of all: independence and accomplishments. From personal experience, independence is the first step to many things such as careers. My greatest accomplishment was getting my first job.

Ed is a family friend who lives near my house. We became friends after meeting at a family party and having conversations about taekwondo. He has become a special person to me. Ed is always there when you need him. He helped me accomplish getting my black belt in taekwondo by training me after school during his free time. He motivated me to practice many hours and showed me videos on how to improve.