TED ALANYA COLLEGE / 9-A
Euphoria
Nefes IMANİ ‣
24
Transformation isn’ t just a statement. Metaphorically, it’ s like a book full of unwritten chapters. Everyone experiences this transformation in one way or another, enabling them to write those unwritten chapters. Whether it’ s an identity crisis, a desire to stand out, or to prove yourself to others, we as human beings have this urge to become something. To reach an unknown climax. To taste a fleeting dose of euphoria.
There are many ways to experience this sudden change of direction in life that leads to the climax. Some people shave their hair off; others cut ties with loved ones and move across the globe; some indulge in sports with the drive to be the best.
I’ d say the closest concept to transformation is idolizing something and sacrificing everything to reach the goal or place you’ ve long admired. For example, going to the Olympics. Suppose you’ ve trained for years— decades. You sacrificed everything: your mental health, a decent social life, the best years of your life. You never really got to experience what it felt like to go outside and just live a little. You used to look down on those who chose rest over exhaustion. Then, finally, you make it to the Olympics and make history. You step onto the podium and win. You are the best of the best. You didn’ t just get a taste of the euphoria you craved; you crushed it and devoured it.
You own the title. You broke a record. It will take years for another athlete to claim your crown. But then— what? What do you do now? There are no more titles to win. What’ s next for you? You already achieved what you wanted.
Then reality hits you. You’ re an adult now— forgoing nights out and fun with friends. You chose exhausting yourself for a lousy medal over building core memories. You spent a decade or more for five seconds of euphoria. Was it really worth it? Maybe not. You filled the chapters of your book yourself. This has become your life philosophy. You’ ve made your bed, and now— all you can do is lie in it.