The 18th year in one's life marks the beginning of a new phase; adulthood. There are so many new freedoms that come along with it ranging from being able to move out of the house to drafting in the military. With all of the new horizons open to young teens everywhere, it's easy to forget that just a couple of days ago, I was still a kid... and still am.

Of course, when I turned 18, I knew a magical fairy wasn't going to come and sprinkle pixie dust on my head at exactly 12 midnight and automatically transform me into a successful adult. Yet, to be quite honest, I still felt responsible for growing up and excercising my newly-granted authority. It didn't necessarily turn out as I had initially planned, however.

1. "Mom, can we stop by ______?"

Now, let me defend myself here. I have very much outgrown the days where I constantly beg and pout in the backseat of the minivan while we drive past all of my favorite fast food places but sometimes, a girl's gotta eat. And when my Nigerian mom, not even bothered enough to take her eyes off the road, politely sighs and shakes her head, I already know the answer: "There's jollof rice at home, baby." Then, my tummy anxiously awaits the infamous "rice sack" that refuses to diminish no matter how many crunches I do.

2. *Ring, Ring*

"Hello?"

"Yeah, mom? I can't find the cream cheese."

I went to my local Publix by myself looking for sour cream once and went straight to the dairy section because, duh. I spent maybe 10 minutes going up and down the aisle and just couldn't seem to find it. Finally, I gave up and called mother dearest. Her response; "Right next to the sour cream, dear." Lo and behold, I looked to my right and there it was. Although this situation happened to me only once, I will never forget it. I felt like a total kid.

3. "You know, I'm basically an adult and entitled to my own choices, rules, and opinions."

Anyone who is familiar with foreign parents would probably never have the audacity to respond to them with the statement above. But thanks to my jokingly sarcastic nature, I tend to get away with it, and in turn, that's exactly how my parents interpret it; as a joke. Yet again, I am ever so deeply reassured that I am Nigerian- I'm a real adult when I turn 40.

Since turning 18, these simple, but confounding signs have totally reminded me that I am no kick-butt adulting machine yet and I don't need to be. I'm young and about to start a college adventure. So, I'll let myself enjoy these moments of being a kid.