As a mere high school student, I didn't have to do many "adult" things. In college, everything I needed was right in front of me. This summer, I'm left to fend for myself financially while trying to get all of my homework done for the summer classes that I'm taking. This summer has truly forced me to be an adult, and I'm learning how to cope with it.
1. I've gotten a job.
"I can't, I have work." Has been my motto all summer. Considering I've never had a job before, this has really made me grow up and realize that everything in this world is expensive and that my time should be spent trying to work to pay for it all.
2. I've had to learn how to manage money.
As it turns out, you can't just blow it all. I've been paying for college classes, clothes, apartment things (bowls, cups, plates, silverware), and putting away money so I can take a vacation at the end of the summer.
3. My time has to be managed.
I'm learning that if I don't manage all of the tasks that I have to do that day and how long each one of them will take, nothing will get done. In college I had to do this, but I never had to balance a job on top of summer classes while trying to have a little fun at the same time.
4. I'm forced to make responsible food choices.
In college, I can use the "I'm in college" excuse for my poor eating choices. At home, I have access to a full kitchen and the opportunity to eat a salad instead of ice cream for dinner. Being home this summer means taking care of yourself to make up for the 8 months that you destroyed your body in college.
5. I'm exercising regularly.
Nothing screams "I'm an adult" like packing a gym bag so you can workout after you get off of your shift at work.
6. I feel guilty for watching Hulu or Netflix
Previously, during past summers I've been able to stay in my bed and binge-watch tv for hours. Now, in adult world, I'm waking up to an alarm to give myself time to get all of my homework done. I feel bad taking lunch breaks and indulging in 20 minutes of television.
