Four or five years - nothing at all. But no one over thirty could understand this peculiarly weighted and condensed time, from late teens to early twenties, a stretch of life that needed a name, from school leaver to salaried professional, with a university and affairs and death and choices in between. I had forgotten how recent my childhood was, how long and inescapable it once seemed. How grown up and how unchanged I was.
The passage reflects on the significant transition period experienced by young adults, particularly from their late teens to early twenties. This time frame, often overlooked by those older than thirty, is filled with transformative events like entering university, beginning careers, navigating relationships, and facing personal losses. The author suggests that this condensed yet pivotal period warrants special recognition due to its profound impact on identity and future choices.
In reminiscing about childhood, the narrator realizes how quickly time has passed and how recent those formative years were. The juxtaposition of feeling both grown-up yet unchanged highlights the complexities of growing up, emphasizing that while childhood seems distant, its memories and lessons remain crucial to personal development. This reflection captures the essence of youth, where time seems both fleeting and significant.
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