EDITORIAL: Let's listen and trust

The latest issue of "Tähenduse teejuhte" marks the end of its sixth season, continuing its tradition of providing a platform for young voices. This particular issue is dedicated to youth, featuring contributors and an interviewed pianist, Tähe-Lee Liiv, all under the age of thirty.

The author, Kaie Metsla, reflects on her own youth during a dynamic period in Estonia's recent history, marked by the Singing Revolution and the introduction of the Estonian kroon. She recalls her intense passion for mathematics in high school and her subsequent decision to change her university major. Metsla vividly remembers her early years of independent life in Tartu, balancing studies with social activities and a tight budget.

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Eighteen-year-old youth cannot be expected to make a choice that will carry them through their entire life.

Her personal narrative extends to her rural upbringing, where her family raised nearly fifty sheep. She describes the manual shearing process with her mother and how they used the wool to create yarn for knitting clothes, as fashionable ready-made options were scarce. This self-sufficiency extended to her own wardrobe, with her knitting a new sweater almost every exam session.

Metsla also contrasts her own childhood with that of her children, who grew up as "city children" in Tallinn. While her childhood home remains a cherished "country home" for her family, she acknowledges the different experiences her children have had. She expresses deep gratitude for her current network of young friends and acquaintances, who have introduced her to modern trends, apps, and even improved her photography skills. This connection with the younger generation keeps her engaged and appreciative of their evolving world.

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The older generation often likes to say that in our time, the grass was greener and the sky was bluer.