We may be approaching the end of another school year, but that is not the end of the world.The good don't die young, the boring do. 

So we’re half way done with spring semester and, for many of us, that means graduation is right around the corner. But even for those of us who are not quite there yet, the end of another semester leaves a terrible feeling in the pit of our soul and a voice from inside screaming, “you're old!” 

Back in high school, you were considered to be old if you had your driver’s license. I remember when my 16 year old bestie started dating a 20 year old and all of us were like, “OMG he’s ancient.” Well, joke’s on us, now, because we’re the so-called ancient ones.  

The truth of it all is that we aren’t old, not even a little bit. Even though I don’t have the energy to go out every week night like I did back in freshman year, and I feel like a grown-up with deadlines and friends with babies, I’m still far from meeting the crypt keeper (fingers crossed). 

I think the reason we as 20-somethings have a misguided perception of age is because there is always something to aim for. At 16 you can drive, at 18, smoke, at 21, drink and by 23 you should be graduated. After that is when people say your life begins. But still, there are many people I meet who are so focused on accomplishing set goals by set ages. I have a sister who insists that she’ll have a ring by spring senior year, get married the summer after and have two kids by the time she’s 25. That’s totally fine, except that if you constrict yourself by having a track to follow, you may not be as happy as you think you will be. 

Of course I cringe when I think about the fact that five years ago I thought 21 “was like, so old.” And I never thought I’d be sitting here today still thinking that I’m approaching the world of wheelchairs and social security benefits. Then again, look at our parents. They’re far closer to expiring and they look at us and say things like, “Oh, to be young again.” I don’t even want to think of how I’ll feel once I do settle down with my life. 

In the end, it’s all up to you. If you want to feel old and start eating prunes or, whatever, that’s your prerogative. But to me, the fact that Britney Spears circa 2004 popped into my head after that last sentence is proof enough that I need to take a chill pill and calm down. In fact, why don’t we all just relax? Go to that party, stay up late, don’t feel guilty about getting sick from drinking too much, just do what’s in the now. I’m not talking about that “yolo” nonsense, but we should all live a little while we can and disprove that youth is wasted on the young.