A birthday is a holiday we all like to celebrate. Even those who claim they do not want attention on their birthday, have to at least be a little excited they survived another year, right? Of course, there are some birthdays that have more meaning than others. The age is the key to it all and honestly, some ages are flat out boring and come with no excitement. Being 20 years old, in my experience and opinion, 17, 19, and 20 are the worst ages.

17

As you turn 17, you’re coming off a high of your “sweet 16.” For most that means practicing your driving skills with your permit or maybe you have your license already. Whatever the case is what do you have to look forward to in your 17th year? Not a whole lot. You can legally go see a rated “R” movie, but we all know we were seeing them at younger ages anyway. It is your last year of adolescence, which can be a high point. It is the last year that you can make childish mistakes and it be acceptable since you are still technically a “child.” But if you are anything like me, you couldn't wait to finally be an adult and have more of a say on your life decisions.

19

Just like its fellow number 17, 19 is a year where you are coming off a high. It is exciting to turn 18 because you are legally an adult. So when you turn 19, you can still do all of the things that you could do at 18, so no excitement there. It is also the last year you will have the word “teen” in your age. While that is something to recognize, it is nothing extremely significant. Of course, 19 is another year for most of us to continue to try and get the hang of this concept called “adulthood.” This age lets us acceptably make a few more childish or reckless mistakes while preparing us for older, more mature ages. So for that, it is a useful!

20

Finally, the last age I believe to be one of the worst ages is my current age. When someone turns 20, people might as well say to them, “Happy 365 days until you can legally consume alcohol.” Another phrase I have heard is, “Only one more year until the birthday that counts!” For most young adults living the college life, turning 21 is a day they look forward to as soon as they begin Freshman Year. So 20 is merely just the final stepping stone we all have to endure before we are finally “legal.” However, 20 does come with a few perks. If you reach 20 it means you have successfully made it through two decades! Also, you finally get the word “teen” out of your age so you can really start feeling like an adult now! Overall, I feel as if 20 is seen primarily as the final countdown to 21. Personally, I know am counting down until the sought after 21st birthday and I am sure I am not the only 20-year-old doing so!

I am not saying that these years are not important. Every day in a person’s life should be seen as important and relevant. If you are just waiting to turn a certain age, try and enjoy your current age instead. After all, you only get to be each age once, so you do not want to regret anything or wish you had made a boring age more exciting. Turn these boring ages into exciting years!