The Roads We Take: What Teens Can Learn from Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken'

When I was in high school, one of the first times I felt the weight of decision-making was when I took an Advanced Placement (AP) class. It was during that class, nerves and all, that I first encountered The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost. 

Standing in front of my peers, I recited these famous lines:

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—  

I took the one less traveled by,  

And that has made all the difference."

That stanza has held space in my mind ever since, becoming part of my framework for making decisions. Over time, it has influenced the way I approach choices, reminding me that every path holds its own value, and that sometimes, the less conventional road can lead to the most rewarding experiences.

Teens today are presented with so many options, from which classes to take to what hobbies to pursue, to figuring out part-time jobs or gigs. At this stage in life, it can feel like you’re standing at a fork in the road, much like Frost described, and the choices you make may seem overwhelming. But what’s important to remember is that every decision you make is part of your journey, and no path is ever wasted

The Fork in the Road: Balancing Both Paths

In "The Road Not Taken" Robert Frost stands at a fork in the road, faced with two choices, and he’s uncertain which path to take. The beauty of this poem lies in its ambiguity—Frost never says that one path is objectively better than the other. Instead, he reflects that either choice could have led him to different experiences, and only time will tell the impact of that decision.

For teens, life can feel like a constant series of forks in the road. Decisions about school, work, and extracurriculars often feel like they carry immense weight. But much like in the poem, it's important to remember that both paths have value, and it's often how we approach our choices—and what we learn from them—that truly makes "all the difference."

When making decisions, ask yourself:

- What excites me or aligns with my passions?
- How will this decision help me grow or learn something new?
- Am I choosing this because it’s right for me, or because it’s expected of me?

By reflecting on these questions, teens can begin to develop their own framework for decision-making, helping them make choices that resonate with their journey, not just what others expect.

The Unconventional Path to Success

It’s also important to note that success doesn’t always come from following the traditional path. Robert Frost, though widely recognized and admired, didn’t finish college. He started, but life took him down a different path. This didn’t stop him from shaping generations of thinkers and becoming one of the most celebrated poets of all time.

This story is crucial for teens and parents alike. Often, the pressure to follow a certain track—be it college, a particular career, or even specific classes—can feel overwhelming. But Frost's life is proof that success can take many forms and that detours or different choices don’t mean failure; they just lead to different opportunities.

For teens facing decisions about their future, whether it’s choosing a job, considering a gap year, or taking up gigs through platforms like Gigzz, it’s worth remembering that there is no one “right” path. Sometimes, the road less traveled, or the one that feels less conventional, can lead to unexpected and fulfilling outcomes.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Forks in the Road

As teens navigate this pivotal stage of life, The Road Not Taken serves as a reminder that every choice shapes their journey, but no single decision will define them. The key is to embrace the forks in the road, stay curious, and understand that every path leads to growth, even if it looks different from what others are doing.

Parents, too, should encourage their teens to explore options, be it through education, jobs, or gigs, and to understand that success doesn’t come from choosing the most popular or well-worn path but from finding one’s own way.

Thanks for reading!

Kristie