Theme Of While I Was Away

In While I Was Away by Waka T. Brown, Waka's perspective and advice about growing up is to focus on what makes you happy and not on others' opinions of you. For instance, near the end of the story Waka realizes "It was time to leave my group, time to stop being who I wasn't. It was time for me to be me" (Brown 236). This shows how Waka had been influenced by the opinions of others, causing her to lose touch with her true self. However, she has now made the decision to prioritize her own happiness and disregard others' opinions of her. This demonstrates Waka's carefree nature and her belief that she does not need to conform to please those around her. Instead, she chooses to embrace her unique qualities and follow her own path, even if it means

This message is particularly relevant to teenagers today who often present a distorted version of themselves online and in person in order to fit in. By staying true to oneself and being careless of others' judgment, this generation can continue to grow and mature. On the other hand, In the short film "One Small Step" by Taiko Studios, Luna's advice about growing up is to persevere and follow your dreams, even in the face of obstacles. In the film, Luna harbors a burninii desire to become an astronaut. However, after experiencing the loss of her father and being denied admission into an astronomy academy she begins to lose motivation and considers abandoning her pursuit. Nevertheless, Luna perseveres after stumbling upon the astronaut costumes she used to wear when she was younger. These nostalgic items inspire her to reignite her passion and continue her studies while also making new friends. Eventually, Luna's hard work and determination pays off, as she is accepted into an astronaut training program (Taiko Studios). This means to never give up when faced with obstacles. This message is demonstrated through the discipline and motivation of the