As a college student, there are several times when you feel like you're in between being an adult and a teenager. Sometimes you're not sure where you're supposed to be, like when you're shopping for clothes at a department store. The juniors department seems a bit off, almost too high school, but you wouldn't think of shopping in the adult department where your parents shop. But there are certain circumstances when you feel like a full fledged adult.
1. When you receive information in the mail about credit cards.
You're thinking, "How can I possibly be old enough to have a credit card?" Don't get too ahead of yourself; the reason you're getting so much mail from credit card companies is that they love to prey on the assumed fiscally irresponsible. They will try to lure you in with so called "cash back rewards." Make sure you look at the fine print. Do fall into that fiscally irresponsible young adult stereotype. #thoseinterestratestho
2. When you have taxable income
Actual money to your name? That isn't chore money from your parents from unloading the dishwasher? Wow. That's when you've made it.
3. And then you see those deductions from your taxable income on a paycheck.
There's so many things being taken out. Time to google what those acronyms actually mean. No more off the table babysitting cash.
4. When there isn't a spot for you at the kids' table.
Harsh. But not eating kids' meals can have its perks. You've been promoted. No more mac 'n' cheese and chicken fingers (at least not every day).
5. When you go back to visit your old high school.
Everyone looks so young. And you feel super old. Your plan to sneak in and go undercover as a current student might not work out so well. You've practically been through war and back. And these kids? They're basically fetuses.
5. When you realize how long it's been since your favorite movie aired.
"High School Musical" aired 10 years ago. If that doesn't make you feel old, "Spongebob" aired 17 years ago. That means "Spongebob" is no spring chicken and the characters of "High School Musical" are old enough to be married with kids.
While getting older can be a little sad, increased independence is pretty cool sometimes. You don't have to rely on your parents for every single little thing, and you can decide if you want to eat ice cream for dinner. They'll never know.
But don't worry, in your mom's eyes, no matter how old you are, you will always be her baby. You will always be someone's little girl or little boy.
