After 18 long years, you're finally an adult, with all the privileges — and responsibilities — that come with that. So what exactly happens now?

Pro:

You are legally your own person--no more being treated as an extension of your parents (this means you can finally just sign your own permission slips.

Con:

You are legally your own person--no more being cut any slack for being “youthful.” (So, if you do the crime, you do the time in real prison).

Pro:

You finally have the freedom to drive without restrictions…

Con:

...from the law, at least. Your parents (and their insurance) are another matter.

Con:

And you still can’t (legally) take a sip of beer or wine.

Pro:

Not that that stops college parties.

Con:

You’ll most likely be in college now, and that means more homework and harder tests. Professors aren’t going to hold your hand the way your teachers did in high school.

Pro:

You’ll most likely be in college now, where you literally live with your best friends (and can hang out practically whenever you want).

Con:

You’re responsible for more of your own expenses.

Pro:

You have more cool stuff to spend money on.

Con:

You need to be careful to avoid running up debt...and a lot of times, that means Ramen noodles.

Pro:

You can finally register to vote!

Con:

...but your vote (for President, at least) won’t count unless you live in a swing state.

Pro:

You’ll make a ton of new friends as you move on to college, career, or another next stage of your life.

Con:

You might have to leave a lot of your old friends behind.

Pro:

There is light at the end of the long, dark tunnel of having to do whatever your parents say.

Con:

But you’ll probably still live with your parents for another little while.

Pro:

You’ll probably still live with your parents for another little while. :)