I have been a legal "adult" through state and federal eyes since my eighteenth birthday. I got the right to vote, the right to open up my own credit card, purchase lottery tickets, get a tattoo, go skydiving, and let's not forget the super fun perk of being tried as an adult in court. I got to even get the full license that New Jersey so graciously allows 18-year-olds to receive.
I now sit here at 20 years old and am still wondering what it means to be an adult. Two years into this whole thing and I can tell you I am still as confused as ever. I have voted, bought lottery tickets, sky dove and I have a shiny credit card, but I still feel like there is a lot that I don't know how to do.
I know nothing about taxes—when, where, and how to file them beats me. I do know what a credit score is, but I don't know my own or how to improve it. I still go to a pediatrician for goodness sake (and my mom usually goes with me). I also know nothing about changing a tire or anything vehicle-related.
While on campus, I feel like I am this fully grown and mature being. As the "mom" of my friend group, I realized it is easy for me to assume that this title equates to being an adult. I budget my time, money, and energy. Everything is completely managed by me. I register for classes, prepare my own meals, and balance school, work, and social life. On a rather small campus, it is easy to feel like you have a hold on things. You have a meal plan and only several responsibilities at once.
But, when I come home for the summer that bubble is gone. Adulting is not managing money on a prepaid food card or going back to live in a rent and utilities- free dorm with my best friends. I am thankful to be able to live with my parents, but I am hyper-aware of just how expensive and how many responsibilities are gained when entering full adulthood.
This in-between kind of limbo between carefree and hardcore responsible adult is equal parts fun and terrifying. But for now, I choose to embrace it (and quite honestly run like hell from being the latter—at least for now). I will still own being a fake adult on campus, but can I still have a kid's menu, please?
