In less than a week, I will be turning 20 years old. I could write about the downfalls of having a December birthday or how much the world has changed in the last two decades, but I’m more concerned with this strange feeling inside of me. The feeling I’ve wasted these past six years being a goal-driven, introverted musician with her sights set on higher education. Here are some things I will do before Thursday to fulfill my goal of having a true teenage experience, all while studying for finals.
1. Sneak Out To A Party
While it won’t be the same as climbing out of a second story window, trying your darndest not to wake mom or dad as you hop in that Cute Jock’s™ convertible, sneaking out of my dorm to go to a party is kind of the same, right? Although there are no rules or laws against legal adults leaving their dorm rooms on their own accord, I can pretend I’m doing something sneaky.
2. Be In A Dramatic Love Triangle
This one requires a bit of logistical planning and socialization, none of which is worth it in the end.
3. Play Hooky
As someone who won the title of Perfect Attendance for all four years of high school, I never skipped a day to roam the most tourist-infested parts of downtown Chicago. There's something different about skipping a college lecture rather than an entire day of high school and, to be honest, I can't afford to miss any classes before finals.
4. Kiss in the Rain
This takes more actual socialization and logistical planning on the side of Mother Nature than the love triangle, so I may have to pass this one up as well.
6. Go On A Road Trip
Did the six hour drive to campus count? If not, I don't know if this one can fit into my week before Thursday either.
7. Rebel 
I was always a very calm person, especially these past six years. I never outright questioned or disrespected authority, I just did it in more clandestine ways. Does the phrase "It's better to beg forgiveness than ask permission" ring a bell?
8. Attend An Epic House Party
Within the city limits of Chicago, there weren't very many "epic" houses to have parties in, unless your count narrow townhouses or the basement of a bungalow.
9. Become A Nobel Laureate
Malala Yousafzai won the Peace Prize in 2014 at age 17 and Lawrence Bragg won the Physics Prize in 1915 at age 25. I can bridge this age gap with my 19-year-old self before Thursday. I'd just have to figure out what I'd bring to the table. I have to think fast because that $1.2 Million prize they give along with the honor can pay for a good portion of my tuition.
10. Have Fun
As outrageous as the teenage years can be, all the crazy, fun, heartbreaking moments are all results of youthful minds and hearts having fun. This doesn't end once the number "2" is the digit stamped in front of your age. This one I can do before Thursday.
