There's nothing quite like being thrown headfirst into your college years that makes you realize how not ready you are to be an adult. High school didn't prepare me for life on my own, and it seems like each day comes with a new struggle that I didn't even know existed. Here are just a few adult things I was certainly not prepared for:
1. Laundry
Yes, I was one of those annoying children whose parents always did their laundry for them. When I got to college, I probably stained or shrunk at least half of my closet. Even though I'm a junior this year, I honestly still struggle with all things laundry. How do I get this stain out? Do I really need to wash this by hand? It's all a mystery to me.
2, Monthly bills
I didn't sign up for this. (Okay, actually I did when I signed the lease for my house, but that's beside the point.) It is physically painful for me to pay all of the different bills I have each month. And don't even get me started on the number of late fees I've had because I can never remember to mail in a check on time.
3. Cooking (anything at all)
If it's anything more complicated than mac and cheese, you can count me out. All of my roommates make all sorts of delicious, healthy-looking meals. Meanwhile, I'm microwaving my third Kid Cuisine of the week.
4. Navigating
I was born directionally challenged, but this wasn't a problem when my parents drove me around all the time or I was in a familiar place. Being in a new city is exciting, but it can also be stressful when you get lost 4 times on the way to a restaurant that's only 8 minutes away. I've never used my phone's GPS more in my life.
5. Assembling furniture
I know it comes with directions, but I can't wrap my small brain around how to put shelves together. This is just one of the few reasons why I need my dad with me at all times.
6. Wifi
When I was younger, the internet was just there and I didn't ask questions. However, when you move into your own house, wifi is something you actually have to set up and pay for. What a cruel world we live in.
7. Making your own appointments
Man do I miss the days when my mom would set up my appointments. I don't know what it is about calling the doctor's office that makes me want to cry, but I do know that it feels way too adulty to me.
8. Actually paying attention to what you're eating
I was #blessed with a twig body all throughout high school, but now that I'm 20, all that Taco Bell is starting to catch up to me. The struggle of eating healthy is all too real, especially when you have to take the time to buy your own groceries. Speaking of...
9. Grocery shopping
I'm like a lost puppy in a grocery store. I don't know where anything is, I don't know what to buy, and I start sweating a little bit when I try to resist getting 13 different kinds of chips.
10. Car problems
My truck broke down during my freshman year and I was at an absolute loss for what to do. I barely know how to put air in a tire, much less how to handle a dying vehicle. Thank God for auto body shops.
I've finally accepted the fact that growing up means facing a lot of new challenges (and usually screwing up big time). Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches and learn from your mistakes. Am I anywhere near ready for adulthood? Definitely not, but hey, at least I can clean a shirt without breaking the washer.
