When I made the decision to become a pescetarian (like a vegetarian, but still eats seafood and fish) as my 2018 New Year’s resolution, I had to learn to be responsible for my body and accountable for my actions. For example, I knew I couldn’t eat mac n’ cheese and bread for the rest of my life; I had to learn to eat more vegetables even though I didn’t like many of them.
I also had to be more accountable to my family. Everybody else in my family eats meat, and I didn’t want to change my family’s diets because I’m changing mine. I had to find a way to be responsible and eat protein without drastically changing the way we all ate.
I now eat a variety of vegetables, tofu, and I have tried more foods in the past 6 months than I had in the past 12 years of my life. As I get closer to becoming a Bat Mitzvah, I have to be responsible and accountable for myself. When I am at a friend’s house or an event I have to make sure that I can find something to eat. I now make sure I look at a menu before going into a restaurant so I know there are options for me. At home I help pick out meals for the entire family to eat together.
In my choice to become a pescetarian, I have learned to be responsible for myself and accountable for my diet and actions. It has taught me how one decision in life can impact me in so many ways.
Shayla Siegel is 12 years and a 7th grader at Jay M. Robinson Middle School. She enjoys musical theater, reading and playing her clarinet in the school band. Her favorite food is chocolate.
