Someone who was born in 1997 will be able to get his or her driver’s license this year. Freaky, right? And everyone who was born in the 90s will officially become an adult during this decade. As i-D celebrates this important time with The Coming of Age Issue, we meet up with some of the cutest Dutch fresh faces (half signed models, half freshly street cast) born in the 90s and ask them about the pros and cons of growing up in the 2010s.
Nanna op het Veld, 20
What’s the best thing about being a grown up?
Standing on your own two feet. That’s both the best and worst part, actually: if something good happens you’ve only got yourself to thank, but if everything goes to shit you can’t blame your mom or dad any longer.
What scares you the most about being an adult?
Maybe the fact that I won’t be able to keep these gorgeous blond locks for the rest of my life – my hair is starting to break off already.
As an adult, what will you do exactly the same as your parents?
I really respect their self-will. They’ve both been doing what they love for their whole lives. I hope to be as strong and genuine at their age.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t get bangs!
Panjua Sarour, 21
What’s your least favorite thing about being a grown up?
As you get older, people start to expect things from you. Do you have your driver’s licence yet? Do you have a degree? Do you live on your own? Do you have a job? It creates a kind of pressure to perform. It’s important to stay true to yourself and do what you like, at your own speed and in your own way.
What part of your youth makes you the most nostalgic?
The carefree days! Not having to worry about school, work or money.
As an adult, what will you do do exactly the same as your parents?
If I have a dream I’ll always give it 100 percent. Nothing will stop me, even if it takes weeks, months or years. That’s something I got from my dad.
Niki Geux, 21
Do you feel grown up?
I’ve felt grown up ever since I moved out of my parents’ place and moved in with my girlfriend and parents-in-law.
What’s your least favorite part about being a grown up?
All of a sudden people expect you to know and understand everything.
What part of your youth makes you the most nostalgic?
The times I spent with my foster parents, when we lived with 14 grownups and kids. Sometimes I miss the fuss around me.
What was your least favorite part of puberty?
When I had to switch schools, and also struggling with my sexuality. I was depressed for a long time and didn’t know anything about being gay. It took me quite a long time to come out and for the people in my surroundings to accept it.
What advice would you like to give your younger self?
Dream big!
Naomi Lisa Davis, 22
Do you feel like an adult?
It depends on the moment. If everything is going well I do, but when it all goes to shit I still want to run to my mom.
What’s the best part of being a grown up?
Getting to make your own decisions, whether they’re good or bad.
As an adult, what will you do differently than your parents?
I’ll try to create a family that’ll stick together.
What advice would you like to give your younger self?
It’ll all get better, just be patient.
Charlotte Bijl, 21
What’s the best part of being grown up?
Discovering who you are and developing your own perspective on life.
And the worst?
Making decisions. And spending money on toilet paper!
What part of your youth makes you the most nostalgic?
The carefree parts. The times when I would go to the beach on my bike and just chill there.
What was the best part of puberty?
I discovered a whole new life. I told my parents that I had a sleepover at a friend’s house but secretly I went to a club in Amsterdam.
And the worst part?
The mental breakdowns. Sorry, mom.
What advice would you like to give your younger self?
Please, don’t pluck your own eyebrows!
Lotte, 19
What makes growing up in the 10s better than growing up in the 90s or 00s?
The fact that I have more of a chance to be part of a science fiction generation. I hope I’ll get to see people being immortal or that we’ll discover the universe in space ships. Also, I like the fact that I have more choices for my education and there are now more places I want to work.
What’s the best part of growing up?
People are taking me seriously now. I hated it when people judged me by my age – they just thought that I didn’t have an opinion because I was young. But that was never the case. It’s nice to be included in conversations.
What part of your youth makes you feel the most nostalgic?
All of my family vacations. Almost every year we went on a big trip – sometimes not only in the summer, but also in the spring to go skiing. If we were really lucky we even went on a Christmas trip.
As an adult, what will you do differently than your parents?
That’s very easy: I don’t necessarily want to be a mom. My freedom is far more important to me than having kids. And I don’t have a maternal instinct!
Credits
Text Channa Brunt
Photography Lotte van Raalte at HALAL
Styling Lisa Dymph Megens
Hair and make-up Lotte, Nanna, Charlotte and Niki Charlotte Niketic
Hair and make-up Panjua and Naomi Cynthia Schippers bij House of Orange
Models Lotte and Niki at Paparazzi, Nanna op het Veld at The Amazing Faces, Naomi Lisa Davis, Charlotte Bijl and Panjua Sarour