I recently turned 21, and typically college students look forward to this monumental milestone. You can drink alcohol legally and buy a concealed weapons carry license: you've now crossed over into true adulthood. Anticipations pervaded my thoughts about turning 21 for such a long time, so that when the day finally came, the excitement wore off.

What was I expecting to gain by passing this milestone? Was it the freedom to do what I want, or the respect that comes with this age? Part of me was excited to have full range of freedom to do what I wanted, and part of me dreaded the responsibilities and potential consequences that came with it.

It's the ultimate form of freedom. You basically become a bald eagle, flying away from the nest of legal confinement, unlocking your fullest potential. When you become 21 years old, you have "unlimited" access to what you can do. Rarely do we realize that what we gain in freedom, we more than double in gaining responsibility. Just because we CAN do it, doesn't neccessarily mean you SHOULD do it.

Freedom can, and does, influence people to do things they would not usually do. Humans are opportunists by nature. We are tempted to exploit our newfound freedoms. Because "why not"? Our nation thrives on opportunity and legality. Rarely do we question the morality behind laws. Turning 21 poses a daunting dilemma: Legality vs. Morality. Though we have the freedom and legality of choice, does it always mean it is the right thing to engage in?

We have all rebelled many, many times before turning 21. We thrive on the excitement it brings because we don't want to be defined nor constrained by the system. Once we are no longer constrained by the system however, does the rebellion you once engaged in have the same exciting flavor? Turning 21 is exciting indeed. Keep in mind that the excitation of rebellion will become dull when you pass this great milestone.

"You must remember that some things legally right are not morally right." - Abraham Lincoln