One of the biggest and arguably most important birthdays is turning 18. Not only does one become a legal adult but they also have to face the responsibilities that the label comes with.
From registering to vote to being able to join the military, it’s understandable for one to be nervous about turning 18.
I know I can say I had this exact feeling: a mix of excitement and nervousness that was similar to how my friends and many high schoolers feel.
A new air of freedom can be just as daunting as it is exhilarating. I feel this especially when it comes to consent forms at the doctor’s office. I love being able to speak for myself, but also, what if I fill something out wrong, or I don’t have the information I need?
Of course there will be mistakes and confusion, since nothing is perfect, but moments of hardship will help teach lessons about being an adult and what it really means.
It’s also understandable when one doesn’t feel that different, like they’re not really an adult.
Our prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that is responsible for rational decision making, isn’t done developing until around the age of 25, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. Being labeled as an adult at 18 doesn’t actually mean anything to our biological clocks.
These are reasonable worries, but often at 18, teens aren’t thrown into this new world alone.
Parents, trusted adults or even friends could be a good source of help when confused about something.
Having a good support system where one can air out their concerns and questions is vital and helps the transition from childhood to adulthood go smoothly.
In reality, being 18 feels more like being a teenager than being an adult, and that is fine. Don’t expect to mature overnight and be ready to make all the decisions and do all the things other adults around you may be doing.
It’s stressful and scary, but it’s only the beginning. Many people with years of experience being an adult are just pretending to know what’s going on.
The point is, getting older is a part of life, so enjoy it. Take the mistakes you make and learn from them. Take your time and bask in your youth, as you only turn 18 once.
