I can't remember my last Ring Pop, that's for sure.
1. Years seem to go by faster.
When you were younger, a year seemed like an impossibly long expanse of time, but now one flashes by almost alarmingly fast. In fact, if someone mentions the year 2007, my first instinct is to think “oh, that was three years ago!” It’s been almost ten!
2. The first day of school doesn't make you nervous.
You’ve known your classmates for years at this point. And if you're the new kid, it’s not a big deal. You're realizing that people are generally the same wherever you go, and that you’ll find your place just fine.
3. You don't really bother buying school supplies anymore.
Instead of dropping a hundred bucks on some items you never really ended up using- 5 glue sticks, an 8 pack of crayons, 6 multicolored composition books- you might just grab a spiral notebook and some new pencils. Back to school shopping is so much faster now!
4. You care less about what other people think.
You’re done entertaining those pre-teen fantasies where you walk into school on the first day a completely different person- new clothes, new hair, whatever. Who you are is just fine And, getting ready for school takes you way less time because you just don't give a crap. Hello, extra half hour of sleep!
5. Friend groups start narrowing down.
Gone are the birthday parties where you invited your whole class to a 3 hour long, sugar-fueled free for all. Now, you probably just tell your favorite 4 people to meet you at a restaurant or at your house for some movies and junk food. Somehow, that ends up being more fun.
6. All-nighters aren’t fun anymore.
As a kid, staying up past a specific bedtime or even trying to stay awake for 24 straight hours was a thrill. And, you got bragging rights! All-nighters now just mean you didn't bother to do your homework earlier and now you have to pay the price. Can I just go to sleep, please..?
7. Your standards of “hard” get higher and higher.
So there's an essay due, and a good chunk of this book to read, plus 2 chapters of math homework to do? Oh, and some club meetings and a practice after school. Maybe the closing shift at work. Whatever- you'll manage it all. Basically, the little problems in your daily life faze you less and less.
8. Which is good, because you’re noticing more and more big problems.
Finances? Careers? Health problems? Um. Help?
9. But it's okay.
You're starting to realize that you've got this. Maybe you don't know what you want to do with your life, but you're determined to do well anyway. Here's to you, brand-new almost-adult!
-A girl who kind of can't believe she's a senior this year.
