Drink up and grow up

This past weekend, I reached an important milestone in my life: I turned 21.

Of course, my birthday came with excitement of finally becoming being able to drink legally and I definitely celebrated that right. However, I realized that turning 21 is not only a big step in my youth, but the last step to becoming a true adult. Sure, we are considered adults when we turn 18, but turning 21 holds a lot more in store.

During my 21st year of life, I will be graduating from college, preparing to follow my career path and leaving the comfort of college life behind to face adulthood on my own as will most college students.

Gone will be the days of extended holiday breaks, deciding my own schedule and waking up for class at noon.

It is a time of making important life decision like where you’re going to live, how you are going to support yourself and what your plans are for the future.

The responsibility of it all can seem intimidating to most people, but that is the price we pay for the freedoms we have.

I realized that while it will be a tricky transition period for me, I am ready for the next chapter in life because although it can be scary, it’s exciting at the same time.

It’s exciting to know that I have had the opportunity to become the person I am today and that there’s even more to see, do and learn. It’s exciting to make my parents and family proud by reaching this point in my life. After all, they have dedicated their time, money and energy into making sure I reach adulthood and I am happy to make them proud.

It’s a very fulfilling to know that I am ready for the next step in life because of everything I have learned and how much I’ve grown through my life experiences so far.

So when you turn 21 and are sucking down your first legal drink, don’t forget that it is also time to grow up, get ready and enjoy the next stage in your life.