Ayana Woods / During the 8:00am radio broadcast on August 22,2021
Good morning, my name is Ayana Woods. In September I will be a
sophomore in college attending UCLA. Did I say attending, well, I have yet to step
foot on UCLA's campus as a college student. It has been 515 days since I was told
to take my books home and clean out my locker because I would “probably be
gone for a couple of weeks.” It’s been 14 months since the last day of my senior
year of high school and 10 months since I started my college career from my
computer at home. That in combination with all of the personal and global
challenges that I have encountered, the multiple vaccines, the emergence of the
delta variant, and the constant battle over mask regulations, it is safe to say a lot
has changed since March 2020.
Among other events that have occurred during the ongoing pandemic, I
have officially become a young adult. That means more responsibility both socially
and financially and more independence to make my own decisions. Young adults,
now is a critical time in which we build lasting relationships, discover our own
identities and how we want to present ourselves to the world. Even through a
pandemic we have undergone many life changes and discovered more about
ourselves than we knew before. We are more adaptable, resilient, and courageous
than we could have ever imagined, and the past year is a testament to that.
When I think about resilience and courage, I think about public figures like
Naomi Osaka, professional tennis player, who said “it’s okay not to be ok.” To me
this means that as young adults we must stay true to our feelings and share with
others when we are troubled, it's ok. We don’t have to be perfect. As young
adults, we have to know what we believe in and not concentrate on how many
likes or comments we receive on Instagram in order to feel valued. We do not
have to please others. Simone Biles, the US Olympic gymnast who has the most
World medals and most world gold medals, was courageous enough to take a
break in the middle of this year's Olympic games because she did not feel
comfortable performing a dangerous skill. She said, “I don't think you realize how
dangerous this is, nor do I have to explain why I put my health first. Physical health
is mental health.” Both Osaka and Biles’ statements show an important skill that all young adults must learn: setting boundaries and following them. They used their voices to stick up for themselves in very stressful situations with the entire world
watching them. As author Penny Reid said, “Don’t set yourself on fire trying to
keep others warm.” For the young adults here at Second Baptist or those who may
be listening to today’s broadcast, I encourage you to find your own voice and set
healthy boundaries about what you are willing to sacrifice. Of course this choice is
entirely up to you, but make sure that you are taking into consideration not only
physical wellbeing but your mental and emotional well-being as well .
Lastly I would like to address the community surrounding the young adults
in our church. The friends, family and loved ones who continue to watch us grow
up and mature. We love you! Truthfully, even as young adults we can't do this
alone. What Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka both had were people around them
that affirmed them and encouraged them to make healthy decisions. They had a
support system who listened to their needs and helped them achieve their wants.
We need you to continue to be that village for us, to encourage us, to love us,
remembering that we are bonded by the Love of Jesus Christ. So thank you all for
celebrating us, as we celebrate Young Adult Emphasis Day. I am excited to see how
much we grow by this time next year.
