There are lots of things going on for teenagers, with exam

In the passage of time, the transition from youth to adulthood has always been a sacred and tumultuous journey, marked by great changes and internal battles. The words of Emma Healey, in describing the challenges faced by teenagers—"There are lots of things going on for teenagers, with exam stress, changing friendship groups, becoming independent, and all those hormone changes affecting you."—resonate deeply with the timeless struggles of the young. These words reflect the age-old struggles of growth, the internal and external forces that push and pull at the very fabric of one’s identity. In the ancient world, much as it is today, the transition to adulthood was seen as a time of great challenge, but also of great potential.

The ancients understood well the trials of youth. In the great civilizations of Greece and Rome, the process of coming of age was often marked by ritual and struggle. Young men were sent into the wilderness to face challenges alone, to forge their identity through trial and self-reflection. Plato himself spoke of the turmoil of adolescence in his writings, noting that it is a time when the soul is particularly vulnerable to the storms of emotion and change. Similarly, Homer’s epic tales of Odysseus and his journey home mirror the path of youth—fraught with hardships, internal battles, and moments of self-discovery. In these stories, as in the lives of young people today, the road to maturity is paved with challenges that, while difficult, shape the very core of a person.

The stress of exams, a modern concern, is not a new burden. In ancient times, the education of the youth was of paramount importance. In Rome, young men were sent to study under the great orators and philosophers, and their success in this education determined their future. While there were no written exams as we know them today, the pressure to succeed and prove one’s worth was immense. The philosopher Seneca wrote extensively about the pressure of education, urging the young to remember that their value did not lie solely in intellectual achievement, but in the cultivation of wisdom and virtue. The pressure to perform and prove oneself has been a constant companion to youth across generations, just as Healey reminds us of today’s teenage struggle.

Similarly, changing friendship groups have always been part of the ebb and flow of the young. The ancients, like us, faced the shifting nature of relationships, especially as they grew and became more independent. Socrates himself spoke of the importance of companionship in his life, yet he also understood that as one matures, the relationships that once seemed central often fade or transform. The very nature of youthful friendship is fluid—it is often formed in the fire of shared experience, and as those experiences change, so too do the friendships. Yet, the challenge lies in learning to navigate these changes, to understand that friendship is not always permanent, but that every friendship, no matter how brief, holds the power to shape us and teach us lessons that will guide us through life.

The internal changes, particularly those related to hormones, are perhaps the most turbulent part of adolescence. These changes are not only physical, but also deeply emotional, often leading to moments of confusion and frustration. The ancient philosophers were keenly aware of the power of emotion in shaping the lives of the young. Aristotle wrote about the passions—the emotional forces that drive human action—and he warned that, in youth, these passions can often overpower reason. The journey of adolescence, then, is not just a physical one, but a journey of the mind and heart, where the emotions must be tempered by wisdom and self-awareness. This is a process that takes time, patience, and often, guidance from those who have walked the path before.

As Healey so rightly observes, this time of transition is not one to be faced alone. It is a time when the wisdom of the older generation is needed to guide the young, just as the ancients recognized the importance of mentorship and guidance. Mentorship in ancient times was seen as an essential part of a young person’s development. The relationship between a mentor and student was not just intellectual, but deeply emotional and personal. Plato himself was mentored by Socrates, and in their discussions, he learned not only about philosophy but about the very nature of the soul and the challenges of life. Today, just as in ancient times, the role of guidance is crucial in helping teenagers navigate the storms of growth, and understanding that these struggles are part of a larger journey of self-discovery.

The lesson for all those who are in the throes of adolescence—or who walk alongside the young in their journey—is clear. Change is inevitable, but it is also a necessary part of life. To be a young person is to experience a kind of internal revolution, where the self is constantly in flux. As Healey reminds us, it is a time of stress, but also of great opportunity for growth. To navigate this journey successfully requires the wisdom to understand that, though the path may seem uncertain and difficult, it is the challenges that shape us and prepare us for the future. Just as the ancient warriors emerged from the fires of battle stronger and wiser, so too will the young emerge from their struggles, ready to face the world with new strength and insight. And in the process, they will discover that sacrifice, dedication, and self-awareness are not burdens to be feared, but keys to the greatness that lies ahead.