School teaches us that our life only truly begins once we grow up. Once we pack up our toys and turn into awkward teenagers, we will experience all of the things worth experiencing. This is why children live within sentences beginning with, “when I grow up.” In high school, we begin to fear growing up. College looms in the distance and we make relationships with people that we know we’ll be saying goodbye to on graduation day. Some of us cling to our childhood dreams and some of us think that they’re already grown up. High school teaches us that college is hard, but at least your parents won’t be breathing down your neck. This is why teenagers apply to colleges miles away from home.
College is the prime “growing up” environment. Freshman year sees first time parties and first time hangovers. Sophomore year sees students scrambling to raise their GPA. Junior year sees students second guessing themselves. Senior year sees last minute plans and graduation photos. From my experience, this is the general run down of any four-year university- give or take. The question is, when exactly do you grow up? It’s different for everyone. Some people shed their childhood dreams right as they receive their high school diploma. Other people stop thinking in terms of ‘when I grow up’ sometime during their second year of college after they move into their very own apartment. If you asked them, a few people would say that it’s a gradual process. The answer is different for everyone.
I am by no means the ideal adult, but by society’s standards I am one. I’m twenty years old. I have my own apartment. I don’t ask my mother if I can go out with friends. Society sees me as an adult. There are times in which I do not see myself as an adult. I hate wearing dresses and making important phone calls. My diet is worrisomely dominated by pizza rolls. I laugh at the simplest of jokes and I get a little too excited over chocolate milk. I still think in terms of when I grow up.
If you are embarking on the journey of growing up, I implore you to take it slow. There is no rush to be an adult and know what you’re going to do with your life. Whether you’re in your second year of high school or college, learn to balance childhood and adulthood. Take responsibility for yourself, and make sure that you actually like the person you are taking responsibility for. Never forget your imaginary friends, they know all of your secrets. Make your own doctor appointments, and actually go to them. Eat macaroni cheese for dinner, and watch cartoons every Sunday morning. Make sure you’re exercising and brushing your teeth regularly. Life is all about balancing things.
Just live. Live life to the fullest, and the rest will eventually fall into place.
