I was born on September 18, 2003. Clearly, I developed alongside digital devices. I was antsy to get my hands on them–a variety of buttons to push (once a luxury) and other endless assets to explore. For this purpose, I vaguely recall my sisters’ Rzr flip phones and my father’s trusty BlackBerry, but I vividly remember the first iPhone. While my sister wanted to test a new gadget during each visit to the phone store, my mother settled for this freshly released invention. As a result, she utilized its newly composed efforts for years. Presently, it rests in our kitchen drawer, its history exhibit. 

”Clearly, I developed alongside digital devices.”

Contrary to popular belief, these devices are not all fun and games. In fact, media becomes a highlight reel rather than a collection of memories. I miss a moment because of the high quality and bright smiles. Unfortunately, I rarely consider my emotions when the camera flashed. Pictures can be deceiving, but my recollection and personal relationships will stand the test of time. 

I seem happy, but I was in one of the darkest periods of my life. To be more specific, I was facing my first heartbreak and isolation from virtual school.
A year later, I appear as a teenage girl having the time of her life at prom. In reality, I was at my mental breaking point.

Although touchscreens have stolen home buttons’ spotlight, their influence lingers. I can relive much of my childhood through a camera roll. For instance, the tiny fingerprints that dotted an iPhone 1 are replaced by makeup staining an iPhone 11. I no longer steal my mother’s phone to investigate but instead pick up my own. Times have changed, technology has evolved, and I have grown up amid everything.