Growing up is inevitable. Pretty soon you are overwhelmed by the pressure of becoming a mature human being and expected to do things without your parents' guidance.

And so, the day that you always knew would come, is finally here: flying and navigating the airport for the first time alone. You are overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and ultimately, popped ears.

1. Boarding passes. I know those things are important -- so important that my mom usually holds onto mine until we get to the gate.

Wait, but she's not here (panics internally, trying to keep calm at the boarding pass kiosk).

2. I just know my luggage is going to get lost, as I am putting my luggage on the scale.

3. Oh, man, security. The big leagues.

I probably look suspicious traveling alone.

4.Uh oh, I have hand sanitizer, is that under 3.5 fluid ounces?

Maybe I should've used a Ziploc baggie.

5. I want my mom.

6. Oh, my, turn to go through,

Beep, beep, sounds the machine. The less-than-enthused airport employee impatiently tells me I have forgotten to take off my shoes.

7. There are 25 people behind you, watching you, as you put your shoes on the conveyor belt; you start to tremble a bit and fall apart.

Now I really want my mom, you think to yourself as your face turns bright red in shame.

8. Upon approaching the boarding gate: uh oh, I normally sit with my family, who do I sit with now?

9. I'm going to sit by the most cute of old ladies, that's a safe bet.

10. Goes to buy a coffee, Uh oh, I only have $3.50 to my name.

11. Puts headphones in. What if I miss boarding?

Nonchalantly takes headphones out.

12. Sudden urge to use the bathroom. But who will sit with my stuff?

13. Upon getting on the plane, Ugh, I hate middle seats.

14. You decide to sit next to what looks like a person your age, Should I make conversation with them?

15. Do not fall asleep on them, do not fall asleep on them, do not fall asleep on them.

16. Okay, take off, you can do this.

17. Has to use restroom during flight, I'm too nervous to ask the person next to me to get up.

Decides to hold it for remaining hour and a half.

18. Upon landing -- success, did not die.

19. Walks out of airplane, immediately calls mother to tell her you have arrived safely -- and because that was the most terrifying experience of your whole life.

20. Goes to baggage claim -- mental celebration that my bag made it here.

21. Takes what is left of dignity. Okay, now about getting around this foreign city.