I have never been fond of odd numbers. I hate them, they mostly hate me (minus my birthdate), and I always felt out of place when I had to use them in math or just in general.

But this time, I'm actually embracing them and I'm loving a certain one in particular: 19.

At first thought, 19 is the age when you're stuck literally. You just became legal but you aren't officially an adult yet and haven’t embarked onto your grand 20’s years.

After turning 19 a few weeks ago, I didn't want to look back on the year in regret of not doing much because I was just a sophomore in college with still no idea of what I was doing for my life or anything else.

So I’m deciding to make it special in every way and still find a reason to celebrate all its hidden joys.

Being 19 is amazing and here are the reasons why.

1) You have one whole year to figure out how you want to start your hecka awesome 20's. And let me tell you, nobody celebrates turning 20 in a dull way or secret either. 19 is one more year to envision yourself and your goals and where exactly you believe you should be after the year is over. For me, I know it's moving away and starting a new life somewhere else but for others, it could mean almost being done with school or finding their passions for once and for all.

2) 19 might be ugly on the outside, but on the inside it's teeming with life. It wants you to suck it up, work hard, and get your priorities straight because hey, nobody likes adulting and nobody likes it more when they don't have at least the basics figured out.

3) 19 is 19. It marks the last year of being a teenager and still being crazy without people totally looking at you weird or judging (I mean who cares about these two things anyways but our society will continue to do them). So go out during summer, have those late night star gazing talks, pool hop, draw hopscotches, run around on playgrounds, and embrace being free before you only get tied down more.

4) Last but not least, tons of people wish they could be 19 again, even though it’s not a common age to be chosen if one could go back in time, it’s still better than where a lot of people are at instead. I always get asked how old I am and when I say 19, people are shocked. I take it as a good and bad thing because I love being mature and pursuing my goals, but I also still let the little kid inside of me shine because I never want to grow up.

And 19 helps you realize that.

19 is a blessing and a curse, but it’s a time that shouldn’t be overlooked or taken for granted.