IT was exhilirating: I walked an arm’s length away from my mother.
That was, I guess, my first experience of personal freedom, which further developed as I grew up.
Sleepovers, playing outdoors before dusk or playing video games until near dawn when school’s out—the “kid stage” of personal freedom.
Then I reached high school and enjoyed more time outside the house with my friends. Sometimes our parents allow us to go to shopping malls without them. Then I was given a mobile phone, allowed Internet access and have my own laptop.
It was upon reaching college when I felt my parents were more likely to trust me more. I could go out of town for a day or two. I can now sleep a lot later than usual, especially during exam days. I was also allowed to get a part-time job.
A friend who’s a working student is given the perks of having her own money to spend. She also get to be out of their house more. She says her parents also trusted her a bit more since she can now support herself in terms of money. Sometimes she contributes to paying bills or pay some school fees. Sometimes she also gets to treat friends and family to movies or restaurants. Despite being little compared to how much money her parents are receiving money for work, it still allows her to experience financial freedom.
From walking on our own two feet to having cash in our pockets out of our own sweat, the experience of personal freedom is something, I believe, is shared by every generation.
I also believe, likewise, that the key to this generational experience is parenting. Parents allow their children to learn how to make decisions and take responsibility over their own life.
And that’s the crux of personal freedom: it is sweet as long as we exercise responsibility over how free we become.
Sabrina Anonas, 19, loves to read, write, bake and create experimental recipes on her free time.