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Puberty

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Submitted By badarmgirl
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Puberty is an event in my life that was delicate; however it was very alarming to deliberate with my family. Building on my own overview, I understand the discomfort that nature brings. To me, it was an eye-opening experience, which let me know that I was progressing from being an adolescent to an emerging adult. I recall this moment like it had occurred yesterday. Seemed as if I woke up that morning and puberty decided it wanted to take its toll that day. Other than the knowledge that I gained in my 5th grade gym/ health class about what is going to happen, I had no idea what it would be like. My mother never had “the talk” with me, so I was scared. Me being so young in age, I did not want anyone to find out because I was scared and embarrassed. Being so determined, I was very secretive about everything so not a single person would find out. Having an older sister, I knew it was not anything I should be apprehensive about because it happens to every girl.
My knowledge of how puberty was supposed to begin was limited because no one talked to me about it. I knew that I was going to have a menstrual cycle, develop breast, as well as start to gain pubic hair, and begin to develop acne; the basics. When I started to develop breast I would get severely self-conscious about how I dressed, when I would go out, and the stares that I would receive. Puberty to me was a sign of a significant alteration to my body. Noticing the change that was occurring with my growths spurt also was telling me that I am just getting older. I felt like puberty was going to be an intimidating matter, but it actually helped, by molding me to be the person I am today.
Before, I did not know that early and late maturation was a negative thing. Back then I really did not think about physical appearance, and why so many older women would make such a big deal about how they looked. One major thing I was not aware of was how much parent-adolescent relationships change once puberty sets in. Being raised with just a mother and three siblings was not always easy. The relationship I shared with her was little to none. How close we were decreased, we would argue a lot more, and I felt less comfortable being in her presence.
According to Arnett, when young individuals start to commence puberty it affects the people around them as well as themselves. (Arnett, 2013, p.50) Becoming comfortable with what is going on is most important because it affects your life and decision making. When puberty began for me, I became less relaxed being around not just my mother but my whole family. I felt like I was going to be the center of attention constantly because I was maturing. Even though studies show that girls tend to open up more when they start puberty, which never was the case for me. (Arnett, 2013, p.50).
When puberty was arriving for me the only thing I was not looking forward to was my menstrual cycle. It was not like growing pubic hair, breasts, height and weight which happens gradually, your menstrual cycle is something that just happens randomly. I have a completely different reaction towards that part of puberty than other women. I use to think that meant something was wrong, when in reality as long as it happens that is all that matters. Also, your culture plays a role because in some cultures how they take care of themselves influences how fast and well your body becomes.
Arnett has taught me a lot of information about puberty and its importance. Now that I am older, I have come to realize that puberty is beyond just having menstrual cycles, growing pubic hair and breasts, and getting acne. Puberty messes with your hormones, which cause physical appearances to change. Your primary and secondary sex characteristics also develop the older you get. I learned that Culture plays a part in puberty by it influencing the timing through the cultural techniques in nutrition and medical attention. Puberty has a deeper meaning behind it than the basics.

Arnett, J. (2007). Adolescence and emerging adulthood: A cultural approach (5rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.

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