Going to college basically means you are an adult, right? You actually have to feed yourself, do your own laundry, pay your own bills, and make your own doctor's appointments (scary, I know). Some might say this qualifies as being an adult, but what really makes you an adult?
Growing up, I had always been pretty independent and self-sufficient. This does not mean that I didn't need help at all; it just meant that I knew a thing or two about taking care of myself. I most definitely did not know everything and I most certainly still do not. When I got to college I thought I had the basics down for the most part, but I was sadly mistaken.
More than anything, I feel like a child doing adult things.
1. Doing the laundry (all the way).
You actually have to do the whole process yourself: washing, drying, folding, and putting away. You are now in charge of making sure your clothes are clean, not wrinkled, and still white when they are all done. Doing the whole process is a task in itself, but good luck trying to even get an open washer/dryer.
2. Grocery shopping.
You are now in charge of what food is kept in your household. It is your decision whether or not you buy the ingredients to make complete meals or $30 worth of Ramen noodles.
3. Cooking meals.
College is where you get pretty creative with your cooking because let's face it you chose to buy Oreos instead of actual food. Somehow you concoct a meal with the scraps and random ingredients you have in your pantry.
4. Making appointments.
If you need to see the dentist, doctor, or even get your hair done, you now have to call them yourself. You have to find your own time and rearrange your schedule to fit the appointment you need in.
5. Staying motivated.
You and you alone are now the source of your motivation. Parents can still get on your case, but they can't hover over you like they used to.
6. Finding a job.
Getting a job on your own is a little harder. You now have to seek out employment on your own. A job is not going to just fall in your lap because your mom's best friend's mom owns the place.
7. Finding a place to live.
The choice is now yours where you get to live. Will you live in the dorms? How about the off-campus apartments? Maybe a house downtown? Your possibilities are endless, that is... until you check your bank account.
8. Fixing your car.
Although you wish your car would change its own oil and fix its own headlights, it just doesn't. It is now your responsibility to take care of the simple maintenance of your car.
9. Budgeting.
Money is one of the biggest challenges in college whether you work for your money or have money saved up. You have to learn how to budget your money to get the things you need, but not necessarily everything you want.
10. Waking up.
Mom and dad aren't there to be your alarm clock anymore so you have to come up with ways to actually wake up in the morning. Sure you have alarms on your phone, but how often do you sleep through those?
We seem to be doing all of these adult things, but I still seem to feel like I am a child living an adult life.
