In the past week, news about Abby Sunderland from Thousand Oaks, Calif. have augmented on whether or not she was too young to sail. Doesn't anyone remember being 17? I was a little bewildered viewing a poll that stated about 67% believing she was "too young and irresponsible." I think people are quick to judge and don't really place themselves in ones shoes often enough.
At 17 years old, you want to show people how mature you can be, or of how "adult" you can portray by making informed decisions - and I don't mean what outfit to wear to prom. It's at this age you make life-changing resolutions (i.e. college choices, opinions on debatable matters, career decisions, etc). Sure, you aren't quite recognized by the government as any more than a dependent, but when I was 17, I felt too old to be categorized as a kid based off my age. And as a young adult, you want to prove you can be accountable behind the wheel, or trusted to go away to college, and be ready to register to vote; in Abby's case, it was her passion since she was 13 to sail around the world solo.
There are many younger kids who prove themselves worthy of stepping out against all odds. Sure, there are those that flop and we all hear about it, but it's all learning experiences required for growth. How is it that when a 16 year old can sail and be the youngest to do so and succeed (Jessica Watson) and it's incredible and great, but when a girl like Abby attempts and fails, she's labeled too young? What about young entertainers? I don't hear anyone flustering over how young Justin Bieber is traveling the world and having girls trample each other just to see him. Or Miley Cyrus singing about moving her hips in clubs and whatnot (though she did get bad rep for implied pictures for Vanity Fair). We forget that age doesn't necessarily reflect maturity.
Abby acted very professional in my opinion. Not only was she fit for her sport and knowledgeable and equipped, but she recognized she needed help, and gladly accepted it. "She's obviously keen to have some assistance, but she is in very good spirits."
So let's not judge other people's passions and wish them the best of luck! I'm not saying we shouldn't be concerned for one's decisions, but maybe just step back and see from their perspective before commenting.
"Wild Eyes and my trip have been the best thing I have ever done or been through and I don't ever want to forget all the great times we have had together, or the bad ones for that matter."
