Eli Week 3: Change and Continuity

Change and continuity. For many of us, this phrase probably unearths the possibly fun, possibly proud, possibly traumatic memories of the AP World exam last year. But not only does this concept apply on the vast scale of cultures and nations over centuries of time, it also concerns each and every one of us over the mere sixth of a century that we have lived so far.


My birthday just passed two days ago. I don’t know what it is about birthdays—whether it’s the tangible representation of my aging or the extra attention I get from my friends and family—but my contemplative nature shone through and I found myself reminiscing of the past. I realized the sheer number of changes that I’ve experienced throughout my life, and the continuities that continue to be a part of my identity.


I used to play soccer, which is pretty hard to believe. I can’t even imagine myself playing soccer now. I have also swam, taken art classes, loved Pokemon Go, and hated tomatoes, none of which still apply to me today. On a deeper level, I used to be much more talkative and competitive. The language that I use is among the various changes that happened to me too. Whether the cause is to keep up with current slang, the general new knowledge I have gained over the years, or the awareness of the different situations I’m in, my language has undeniably changed, shaped by all these variables. Even the nature of my birthday wish has shifted from hoping for academic success in the coming year to the timeless hope of happiness now and in the future. It really fascinates me how something so fundamental, as my worldview is to my identity, could change in a few short years.


But that’s not to say that everything about me changed. I have been playing the piano since first grade, and I still continue to practice. My long-standing interest in badminton has never dwindled either; despite not taking classes anymore, I still eagerly take the opportunity to play with my friends whenever I can. My yearly trip to China is still a regular tradition (besides the COVID years) that I greatly look forward to. It’s a time of respite, low stress, familial connection, and of course, great food and drinks. I really hope that this continuity stays a continuity.


My birthday reflection made me wonder about my oncoming future. If my language and identity has changed so much in so little time, what changes and continuities will apply to me in 10 years? 50 years? Maybe I’ll be working in a subject that I have no interest in right now, or for the latter case, maybe it’ll be one that doesn’t even exist right now. My point is, the changes and continuities in our identities are what make us unique, and what allows us to really look forward to the future.


https://www.epicurious.com/shopping/39-cute-birthday-candles-you-can-order-online

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/copy-change-continuity-patricia-seabright-3t5ve

Change and Continuity

Comments

  1. Ellery LiuSeptember 30, 2026 at 4:21 PM

    Happy belated birthday, Eli! Although I initially clicked on your blog because I am learning about change and continuity after the American Revolution in APUSH, I am so glad I did, because how else would I have gotten to know it was just your birthday (and also much more about you as a person)? Anyways, I definitely understand the melancholy of birthdays. Along with the joy and love that they bring, they also make you realize just how much has changed. I love the examples you provided about your childhood interests, and the contrast that they create with your current focus on academics. It is hard not to miss the days where my biggest worry was beating an opponent in Pokemon Go, which although it seemed like the end of the world at the time, is now less than the most miniscule assignment.

    Although change is scary and daunting because the seemingly minute differences are actually profound upon reflection, there is always the comfort of continuity. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about the hobbies and things that you hold dear to yourself ever since you were a kid, including piano, badminton, and family gatherings. The future truly is uncertain, and although ruminating may lead to spiraling and devastation, I enjoyed the positive spin you put on it by pointing out that you don’t have to fear the future, but look forward to it. It sounds like your birthday was interesting and eventful, and I hope that 17 treats you well! (Unless you aren’t 17).

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  2. Abhay PatelSeptember 30, 2026 at 5:56 PM

    Hi Eli! I have also been thinking about continuity throughout my life so much; and what’s even more interesting is that we share so much in common. I could not fathom the similarities between our childhoods. As soon as kindergarten began, my mom thought it would be a great idea to put me in soccer, but I had some fun and because it only took me two weeks to start neglecting soccer as a good sport, I started to realize that I was never built for such a task. I have been able to understand so much about what you enjoyed as a kid, and what that has evolved to now. As a child, I was also put into swimming lessons too, even though it was 4 years of grueling lessons, I still like to take a dip every once in a while. Just as you were mentioning the changes that have occurred in your life, I have begun to think more critically about the instances of my life which I have kept, and others that I have discarded.

    The part that truly stuck out to me was your annual trip to China, which honestly sounds very relaxing. Getting to meet your family that is living on the other side of the globe is truly a different experience. Even when I go see my absolutely massive family in India, I have to go and try and endure having to meet every single one of them even though I have almost no clue who they are. I am sure you have had such experiences in your life too but don’t mind this too much. It goes without saying that many of these activities or moments of your life shape you in some way to become a better person, and make each individual have their own unique identity and story to tell. I hope the next ten, fifty, or even more years of your life are filled with beautiful moments. And I wish you a happy belated birthday!

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  3. Vihaan PakalaSeptember 30, 2026 at 6:38 PM

    Hi Eli! First of all, happy belated birthday! I apologize for not wishing you earlier, but hopefully this makes up for it at least slightly. I think what you discussed in your blog was quite notable.

    I caught a not-so niche AP World History reference, and I think I speak for more people than myself when I say that I never want to go back to it. It’s not so much the content itself, it’s just that history has never been a strong suit or of particular interest to me. Anyways, I digress.

    The idea of continuity and change has been a central theme of life on Earth for as long as it has existed. That also applies to our lives, as you have so clearly modeled for the reader through your own experiences. I think this idea is interesting because I read another blog similar to this. Yumeng’s blog also features the idea of change, so if you want to get someone else’s take on it, I advise that you read hers! I can definitely relate to having hobbies that are discontinued; for me, that was piano, soccer, basketball, drawing, and I’m probably missing like 30 more. But like you said, there are things that have been basically constant in my life, such as certain friendships and me playing the guitar.

    I think that it’s nice how you reflected on this idea that people change yet remain the same despite how much time passes. It truly goes to show the multidimensionality of people in general because of the certain things that come and go, and the things that stay. As always, I really enjoyed reading your writing, and I hope you had a wonderful birthday Eli!

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  4. Yumeng FSeptember 30, 2026 at 7:12 PM

    Hi Eli! I have to admit, I clicked on your blog because I got excited thinking the phrase, “change and continuity” was used in AP psychology. After reading the first two sentences of your blog, I realized that was a term used in AP world. I am now really embarrassed because I took AP world last year, so I am not sure how I forgot about a year’s worth of studying in just a few months. Aside from my poor memory, I really loved the title and concept you used—it perfectly encapsulates the concept of language, identity, and change! More than that, it is also able to resonate and catch people’s attention due to the large number of sophomores who took AP world.

    Anywho, what is more important is your birthday that has passed! Happy belated birthday, Eli! I hope you had the best birthday yet, that all your wishes came or are in the process of coming true, and that you feel super loved by your family and friends! With that being said, I really loved your connection of your birthdays with the phrase “change and continuity.” Your authenticity engraved in your writing helped me envision you in your different stages in life. To tell you the truth, it does feel pretty weird imagining 17 year-old Eli hating tomatoes and loving Pokemon Go. Reading the things you used to do, such as taking art classes, and the things you still love to play, such as badminton, really made me realize and reflect on how much we have grown—how unpredictable the future is, how nothing is permanent, and how different things will be in just a year. It feels bittersweet and scary to think that the things we used to know can either stay the same or change. However, reading your writing gave me a sense of comfort. It seems that you have a positive outlook on how life progresses, and I hope you continue to wish for happiness in your future birthdays! Again, happy belated birthday, Eli!

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