Solving Problems and Making Connections Perspective: A Modern Teen’s Guide to Overcoming Adversity By Rebecca Kieran
T
here are many challenges and adversities facing
was different,” said Cole of his middle school friends. “I think that
teens in today’s society, many of which stem from the
was my first step to noticing the impact that social media had on
online world of social media. Teens often struggle to
them. I had to change how I acted with them which became tiring
disassociate from the negativities and peer pressures
and led to a divide in our friendships.”
that are linked to social platforms. The many fads, trends, and
In addition to the negative growth of social media, Cole was
social identities portrayed online are often unrealistic in the real
teased a lot as a child. He struggled with his weight and never liked
world. However, many teens hold themselves to those fake
the image of himself that he saw in the mirror. Cole also watched
standards they see online, which can often lead to personality
his parents go through a bitter divorce, which reflected poorly on
complexes, anxiety, or depression, among other consequences.
his mental health. Cole was suffering from childhood depression as
Knowing how to navigate social media safely is so important for our
a product of the many rejections in his life. He eventually decided
youth today.
he wanted to make a change.
Colton (Cole) Fidelman, an 18-year-old high school senior, has
His dad encouraged him, and he eventually settled into a strict
figured this out for himself and even turned it into a business.
workout regimen. With much guidance and persistence, his dad
Having struggled with depression and weight loss as a young
kept him motivated to keep working. It took many tries and a lot of
adult and witnessing the harmful effects of social media firsthand,
hard work to learn the discipline needed to succeed, but eventually,
Cole has learned how to turn his challenges into positive
Cole lost 60 pounds and saw a huge boost in his confidence. He
encouragement. He has interviewed a handful of successful
realized he was settling for good, not great. When he worked hard
entrepreneurs, and with their guidance and insight, he wants to
enough to achieve greatness, he really saw success.
share all that he has learned with other teens. Cole has already
“It is so important to have someone helping you. I couldn’t do it
written a book, entitled The Teenage Guide to Success, to be
without my dad,” Cole said of his successful weight loss journey.
released in October, that outlines his many findings on teenage
“He held me accountable and removed immediate pleasures so I
resources for success.
could focus on long-term success. Something internal told me to
Growing up, Cole didn’t always fit in with other kids. He had
get through it. When things are super difficult in the trenches, you
unique interests and was raised with different values than most kids
have to keep on going. Generating momentum is the hardest part.”
his age. Cole joined social media later than most of his friends in
Losing weight gave Cole hope, and he soon realized that his
middle school, but he noticed personality shifts amongst his friends
depression only lasted as long as the negative experiences.
as they used more social media platforms.
Confidence, a positive mindset, and discipline helped him overcome
“It was subtle and not all at once, but I noticed a lot of their attitudes and interests changed. Even the way they spoke to me
his obstacle. He learned that these can be applied to any field. “As long as you have a plan and a way to carry it out, anyone can
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