I was recently sent a link inviting me to attend my 15 year high school reunion. I couldn't believe that it had been that long. So many memories rushed back and with that excitement, the realization that we are old set in. Looking over old photos, I was thankful that social media wasn't around while growing up. AOL dial up for us, which would end rather quickly if your momma needed the phone.

Never wanting to compare however, I found myself looking at all the current prom and senior photos circulating, remembering my budget was $200 maximum for everything. The dresses are so elaborate, the suits are impeccable, the cars are luxury…however, these kids look grown.

Grown is the new appeal. They are 17–18 years old, yet look older than 33. Now why you want to go and do that? I guess it’s true. You follow the leading trends. Installing lace fronts with beat faces, knowing that you’re bad and bourgeois, all while trying to go get the money, just to have Gucci on your shirt and hoping it goes down in the DMs, while still having time to be Instagram famous. These trends aren't trends, but actual obtainable gains. HOW?

Our trends were fun, exciting and cool, while song lyrics made one lost in fantasy, but find oneself in reality—not actually being able to relate to the luxurious lifestyle. Understanding the hustle of obtaining the lifestyle, yet the importance of being a teen and the patience of being grown.

These teens will never know the joy of rushing home after school to see 106 & Park, Cita’s World Big Baby and The Basement. All we wanted to be was a baller, shot caller, with twenty-inch blades on the Impala. Dance around in shiny suits, throwing our rollie in the sky and waving it side to side (in reality, it was just an ashy wrist, but the moment felt real). Work it, making sure we put whatever it was down, so we could flip it and reverse it. When it got hot from dancing, we took our clothes off and swung our t-shirt around our head like a helicopter.

Nothing is ever common in the eyes of someone who knows their potential. I applaud so many of you for being entrepreneurs and creating opportunities. However, this grown appeal comes with major responsibilities. Grow up slow and enjoy life because before you know it, you’ll be the old head wondering where time has gone. I'm pretty sure this is how our parents felt about my generation.

I just compared myself to my parents… I'm officially an old head!

grown folks

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