KidScape Productions Unplugged

A high ringing noise pierces the silence that floods the darkroom. Quickly I snap my head up and reach my phone. It’s five o’clock. I grab my towel and head to the bathroom for my regular morning shower. After that, I quickly get dressed then rush downstairs. I’m already late for morning practice, so I grab my shoes and run out the door. As eight rolls around I walk straight to my first period, prepared for the next hour and a half to be spoken in only Spanish. The usual voice echoes over the intercom telling everyone to stand for the routine pledge of allegiance.  By two-thirty the bell dismisses, and the whole school finally goes home, as I walk back to complete my afternoon practice. At five I run outside and climb in my car only for my mom to drive me home. I eat dinner, finish my homework, and spare a few minutes to watch The Office before falling back asleep to repeat it all in the morning. My daily routine isn’t much off from many other students. This is what our parents watch us repeat day by day. I bet it never even crossed your mind that I forgot to take my antidepressants and anxiety medication, which meant my day was harder than usual.  It didn’t occur to you that as I say the pledge, I pray the girl behind me won’t make fun of my height or my clothes today, or that I skipped lunch to study instead of talking to my friends and never ate.

Our parents continuously read self-help books and watch talk shows giving them life advice. As teenagers, there is no talk show aimed at us or self-help books that we are going to read. We navigate the vast rough sea of high school alone. Although parents claim they know what we’re going through (which isn’t wrong) but some things we must face ourselves. That’s the purpose of Kidscape Productions unplugged — a podcast by the kids for the kids. I host a podcast as a teen for parents and other kids to listen to; I talk about the struggles I’ve faced with suicide, depression, anxiety, and bullying. I, of course, must mention my boy problems and my crazy permit test as well. I even bring in other people to talk about their lives and get different perspectives on a situation.

If you’re wondering what your kids doing behind your back or you are a student looking for people just like you, go ahead and tune in. I promise I won’t waste your time.

Find out more here: https://kspunplugged.com/  Visit the website to find out where to listen and submit to become a guest.

Sadie Ward Author