Saying Goodbye To Childhood Before Adulting Really Begins | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Saying Goodbye To Childhood Before Adulting Really Begins

Adulthood is coming.

46
Saying Goodbye To Childhood Before Adulting Really Begins
Instagram

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

111047
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

21951
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

20271
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments