The friends I made at 18 are memorable witnesses to the most influential year of my life. I grew up so much, and I cannot believe how much happened in just one year. Eighteen is the age of internal self-discovery, more so than any other age before. It is the first year that people go off on their own, mostly, away from parents in a new environment. How we adapt to that new environment proves our strengths and weaknesses. We choose who we are in this new environment, and that is who we will become.
Realizing who you are in unfamiliar situations is an adventure of its own and can at times reveal your worst character traits. Surviving this is part of the self-discovery phase of growing up. Stepping out into the world can be a scary thing. You spend your 18th year of life on this excursion into the “real world” of college, which can feel more like the MTV show than actual reality at times. It is dramatic, outrageous and definitely not how actual grown-ups survive. Trust me, life (and college) is not going to be one big party and a houseful of feuding on-again/off-again friendships (unless that is what you make it. This is an unwise choice in permanent lifestyle). You build your own support system, so choose wisely and make sure the people you pick are in it for the long haul through every adventure life can hold. You may end up with some moments you aren’t too proud of (like that one Saturday night no one need EVER speak of again ... we’ve all been there), but that is all part of the process. The people who stick with you through the dark, awkward, embarrassing and terrible decisions are the real MVPs — don’t let them go.
This phase settles down, and then you proceed to step two of growing up: Adventures. Nineteen is the year of adventure. Once you are more confident on the inside, you will branch out of your comfort zone.
Life is full of adventure if one is only smart enough to look for it or take the opportunity when it has presented itself. Opportunity for adventure can come in all shapes and sizes. Weekends are full of noteworthy shenanigans, from late-night roommate singalongs to early 2000s pop song covers to nights spent trying to keep track of friends at the quad. On-campus organizations can provide the opportunity for adventure, like a ski and snowboard club or even just a recreational trip like white water rafting. Getting involved is the easiest way to find adventure. Take advantage of discount tickets the school might provide for a play, activity or road trip. Walk around the area surrounding campus, or even just walk around on campus. You won’t find a major crazy adventure like mountain climbing around every corner, but all those little moments, like one of your roommates jumping out of a closet to scare you or walking across campus in a snowstorm just to get Dunkin’ Donuts, adds up to one big adventure: LIFE.
Take every opportunity, every moment, for what it’s worth. Life is composed of small unforgettable moments that create your story and a grand adventure.
