Of all the ages you turn in a lifetime, all the trips around the sun, year 19 is definitely one of the most insignificant. I mean, think about it. You’ve already been a legal adult for an entire year, so at this point you’ve probably come to realize how annoying it is (at least I have). You’re still a teenager, but you don't really feel like you can be placed in that category anymore. And you’re two more years away from being able to legally drink. It's super frustrating.
Most people with fall birthdays, like myself, are the younger ones amongst their peers. A lot of my friends have either already reached the two-decade mark of their lives, are past it or are getting ready to embrace it. But little ‘ol me is still 18, getting ready to turn the most insignificant age you can think of.
As my birthday approaches fast, I’ve been trying to think of ways I can make my not-so-special day just a little more exciting. I tried making a playlist to get me into the spirit of 19, but it just made the situation worse when I realized no one has written a song about turning 19. You have “Fifteen” by Taylor Swift which is basically about how freshman year of high school is the worst (agreed, Tay). Even 17, which isn’t really that fun of an age, has a shoutout from ABBA. You know, “Dancing queen, young and sweet, only 17”? But 19, as always, is kind of left out.
I tried getting everyone super hyped up for my birthday. I talked about going out, partying, having a crazy celebration. I even wanted to get a piñata. When they asked me how old I was turning, I knew they were expecting a “21” or even “20,” but when I told them the news, I could see their excitement fade. 19 just isn’t an age to get pumped for.
So how do you make the most insignificant age ever something worth celebrating? The answer is simple, pretty deep and very cliché, so brace yourselves. Honestly, turning 19 is significant because it’s another year that you’re able to live (see, I told you it was about to get deep). Age really is just a number to me when it comes to birthdays. In all seriousness, I would much rather celebrate another year I got to spend with the people who are close to me than celebrate an age. So I'm just going to celebrate living — it's as simple as that.
