When a person surpasses the age of around 22 in college, far too often they label themselves as old and irrelevant. If this is you: you’re probably going to regret spending all this time worrying about getting old, because when actually get old, you will be envious of who you are today.
Complaining that you’re old in your twenties is kind of like complaining that you have a lot of work while in middle school. You’re going to look back on it in your forties as a mom of two and say, “How did I spend my twenties thinking that I was too old to do things anymore?”
I’ll never forget my first run-in with a graduating senior who, at the ripe age of 22, called herself old. I wondered if I would feel that way when I reached the end up my four-year tenure in college. Would I feel like my life was over in a way? Would I feel like I couldn’t relate to new and jubilant freshmen anymore?
In nearly every friend group, someone is jokingly designated as the “Grandma/Grandpa” or “Mom/Dad.” The meaning of this, however, lies far deeper than the title. Just because your values change in your twenties doesn’t mean you’re becoming old by any means.
There are children who sit out at recess. In other words, choosing to not go out as much doesn’t make you old. Also, advancing in your life should be something that excites you – it should be celebrated.
I think this notion partly derives from the stigma that, “College is the best years of your life,” so when reaching the end, it might feel like a part of your life is over – a big part. We should trash this idea. To limit and glorify this incredibly small period of time, and to suggest that it’s perhaps the happiest you’ll ever be is quite frankly, well, depressing.
College feels very social, but it doesn’t have to end when you leave. You can still go out with coworkers. You can also throw nice dinners and get-togethers – dress up for no reason. By then, let’s hope you have a stable job where you can afford fun adventures with friends or a partner.
Maybe that sounds boring to you, but regardless just do what you want. You’re not limited, and I promise no one is judging you.
It’s easy to feel old in your twenties. Perhaps it’s from seeing those Facebook posts that name your favorite songs as “throwbacks” or point out how your childhood shows came out 15 years ago. Despite it all, you’re not old by any means, and you should enjoy getting older. You don’t want to look back and envy a time that you didn’t come to appreciate at all.
