Saying Goodbye To Childhood Before Adulting Really Begins

It feels like just yesterday I was moving across the state to enter my first year of college. As cliche as that definitely is, my freshman year doesn't seem so long ago. And now, I am not only heading into my senior year of college, but it's my last semester ever. Where did the time go?

This summer is my last "childhood summer." It's my last one where I'm still a student, the last one where I'll end it by packing up and moving (for the millionth time) and the last one where I'm not a fully fledged adult. That last one is the scary bit.

In the deep words of Troy Bolton, "Did you ever get on a ride then wanna get off?" That's sort of how becoming an adult is feeling. The weird rush of "Yes! I am ready and excited!" mixed with feelings of "Who am I? What should I do? Where should I go?" The existential crisis has kicked in high gear this summer, leaving me emotional and nervous/happy/weirded out by the fact that soon I will be the thing I've been supposedly training my whole life for.

This summer has been spent learning what adulthood is probably like. I've been working all the time, barely hanging out with friends and, the worst, waking up early (case closed: I am NOT a morning person). There are obvious perks. I am making money, my schedule is pretty set and when I do see friends, it's great to catch up.

But I can't help but to think back on previous years. From beach trips with friends all the way back to swing set and inflatable pool memories. Summer has always been a time of freedom and warmth and joy. But I'm not sure that's the same anymore. It's funny that for the first 18 years (at least) of your life you get trained that summer equals no work, just play. Yet, that isn't how the real world works.

Thankfully, we know that growing up is optional. Yes, I will have to start adulting, but I don't ever have to actually become one. I will have to be responsible and make decisions and pay bills. But I can still enjoy life to the fullest, make memories and create that summer feeling. I just have to become better at seeking it out.

I guess really all we can do is look toward the future with open arms. Decide what we want and go for it. Remember those summer memories, but don't forget to make new ones.