Three Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me at 15
By Olev Kork, Seasonal Projects Lead, Estonia
Olev Kork had the wonderful opportunity to speak to 9th grade students at Tartu Kesklinna School as part of the school’s alumni month. He is sharing his thoughts and emotions.
Standing in front of that classroom felt almost surreal — it seemed like just yesterday that I was sitting at those same desks, learning history. And yet, somehow, twelve years have already passed.
During my talk, I decided to share three things I genuinely wish someone had told me when I was their age. They’re simple ideas, but they can make a huge difference in how confidently a young person steps into the world.
1. Shadow as many people as you can. Seriously.
If you’re unsure what you want to do in the future, the best thing you can do is step into different worlds and observe them up close. Go and job shadow people in different fields — marketing, design, hospitality, IT, construction, healthcare… absolutely anything.
The more diverse your experiences, the clearer your path becomes.
You might discover something you love.
Or you might discover what you definitely don’t want to do — which is just as valuable.
Every conversation and every new contact can open doors you didn’t even know existed. And the worst that can happen? You walk away knowing a little more about yourself.
2. Be curious — and don’t be afraid to reach out to people who seem “ahead” of you.
When you’re young, it can feel intimidating to ask experienced people for advice. Maybe they seem too successful, too smart, or too busy. Maybe you feel like you’re “not ready.”
Here’s the truth: most people are far kinder and more approachable than you think.
Put your ego and insecurities aside for a moment and just reach out.
Send a simple Instagram DM or email, something like:
“Hi! I’m a student at X school and I’ve been following your work for a while. You seem really skilled in X field, and I’d love to learn more. Would you be open to meeting for an hour to share your experience and give me some advice on how I could grow in this area?”
You’d be surprised how many people say yes.
One good conversation can change how you see your future, give you clarity, or even open opportunities you never imagined.
3. If you can — travel. Explore. Go see the world.
There are countless youth organizations and NGOs that send young people abroad for short-term and long-term projects funded by the EU.
For example, organizations like Noored Ühiskonna Heaks and many others offer youth exchanges where you can spend a week — or even several months — abroad.
These experiences give you so much more than just travel photos:
- You build an international network of friends
- You gain confidence and independence
- You learn new skills
- You start to understand the world from a broader perspective
Sometimes, stepping outside your usual environment is exactly what you need to figure out who you want to become.
In the end…
If I could go back and talk to my 15-year-old self, I wouldn’t give him a strict plan or a checklist of “must-dos.”
Instead, I’d tell him to stay curious, talk to people, try different things, and keep an open mind.
Opportunities rarely fall into your lap.
You create them by showing interest, asking questions, and being brave enough to take the first step.