I grew up in a really small town. I had a great friend group and

Hearken, O children of the ages, to the reflective words of Olivia Holt, who speaks of the tender struggles of youth: “I grew up in a really small town. I had a great friend group and an amazing community of people who were supporting and loving, and moving out to L.A. it was really hard to find that. Especially just starting off my teen years.” In her insight, we perceive a timeless truth: the bonds of support, belonging, and guidance are essential to the flourishing of the young, and the search for such stability can be both urgent and elusive in unfamiliar lands.

Since antiquity, elders and storytellers have observed that the young thrive when surrounded by supportive communities. In the villages of ancient Greece, youth learned their arts, morals, and civic duties through participation in close-knit groups—familial, educational, and social. Holt’s reflection mirrors this principle: in small towns, the constancy of familiar relationships provides a sanctuary of guidance, encouragement, and love, which becomes all the more precious when one steps into the uncertainty of a new world.

Consider the story of Harriet Tubman, who grew up in a small community yet ventured into the unknown, facing unimaginable challenges. Though she left the familiarity of her home, the strength, courage, and values instilled by her early community sustained her through trials. Olivia Holt’s words echo this truth: leaving a place of nurturing support in search of opportunity can be daunting, especially at the threshold of adolescence, when the self is still forming and the world feels vast and intimidating.

Holt’s reflection also illuminates the importance of connection and belonging. Teens, entering a stage of heightened sensitivity and exploration, require emotional anchors to navigate change. The absence of a trusted circle can magnify uncertainty, while the presence of friends and mentors provides stability, confidence, and resilience. Ancient communities recognized this need, entrusting elders, teachers, and peers to guide the young in both skill and character, teaching that human bonds are as vital as any formal instruction.

The lesson is profound: as one journeys into new and unfamiliar environments, the value of supportive relationships cannot be overstated. While talent, ambition, and courage are essential, it is the presence of loving, encouraging companions that sustains the spirit, nurtures confidence, and provides guidance in times of doubt or fear. Holt’s insight reminds us that community is a pillar of personal growth, especially during the formative teen years.

Practical guidance flows from this reflection. Seek out connections and friendships that are nurturing, reciprocal, and supportive. When entering a new environment—be it school, work, or a distant city—actively cultivate relationships with those who offer guidance, encouragement, and trust. Value the wisdom of mentors, the loyalty of peers, and the love of those who invest in your growth, for these are the foundations upon which resilience and success are built.

Olivia Holt’s words also remind us that transitions, however challenging, can be met with courage when grounded in memory of past support. The early communities, the friend groups, and the acts of kindness experienced in youth provide internal strength and guidance. Even when far from home, the lessons of trust, loyalty, and care endure, shaping behavior, judgment, and the capacity to form new bonds.

Thus, heed the eternal teaching of Olivia Holt: the support and love of a nurturing community are treasures of youth, essential for the growth of courage, confidence, and resilience. Honor these bonds, seek them in new places, and cultivate them with care. In doing so, you traverse the challenges of adolescence and new environments not as a solitary wanderer, but as a being fortified by the enduring power of connection, love, and belonging.