Change is inevitable. Things are always being altered, and few things are noticeably constant over time. Change can be quick or gradual, and for better or for worse. Here are some areas where we notice change the most with age:

1. Responsibility

You’re not a little kid anymore. You are no longer babied by your parents, and you are aware of what independence feels like. You have bigger and better things to worry about then when recess or your next playdate will be. Maybe you have a job, a leadership role, or are a dedicated member to an organization or club. You can’t just blow these things off simply because you “don’t feel like it.”

2. School

The change from elementary to middle to high school to college is perhaps the most significant change in any student’s mind. The building and address of the school changes every few grades, the narrow hallways become wider, the people around you are bigger. But not only does the physical setting change, every grade exceeds the difficulty of the one before it. The workload and the standards of what is expected of you increase; and in college this especially holds true.

3. Perspective

Have you ever revisited an old playground you used to love spending your time on, or walked down the halls of your elementary school? If so, you’ve probably thought to yourself “Did everything shrink?” or “Things used to be a lot bigger when I was a kid.” Now compare the small hallways of an elementary school, to a mountain you’ve hiked. As we are exposed to bigger environments with age, we can explore and see everything that is out there; the type of sights that are not limited to our range of view or where our parents can drive us.

4. Ability

We often stick with the same hobbies we were exposed to as a kid. A lot of us who grew up dancing or those of us who played soccer or baseball have stuck with it year after year. However, the ability that we had as a little five-year-old was not at peak. We improve with age because of our physical development and years of practice. In addition, we are given the ability to do things like get our driver’s license, vote and drink at the age specified by law.

5. Style

As we mature, so does the latest trend. We find ourselves ditching the sparkly headbands, cartoon shirts, and juicy tracksuits, and instead put on a pair of ripped jeans, crop top, choker, and booties. We cut or dye our hair, or get a piercing or tattoo to experiment with something new. As we get older, the social pressure to conform with our peers is evident. Not only are we making changes in our appearance for ourselves, but to impress others.

6. Friends

Friendships get deeper and therefore more complicated as you grow up. Your elementary school best friend from may not be your current best friend (or maybe they are). The friend group you started with may not be your same friend group now. Friendships often drift because of conflict or drama, geographical boundaries, or meeting new people. In college, you meet so many new people that you spend almost all your time with. Old friendships are put to the test; you evaluate which is important, as you begin to realize who is still there for you from miles away.

7. Conflict

Sometimes we wish we were young again so we didn’t have to deal with problems bigger than what toy we should play with next. Unfortunately, conflict exists between people, at work, between nations, etc. We become more opinionated with age, and the expression of our opinions alongside others might not always be in agreeance. Even if the discrepancy does not involve us personally, as adults we are more exposed to the conflict around us. There is less sheltering from corruption. As much as we wish to live in a perfect world, it wouldn’t be normal to live in a world without any challenges to overcome.

8. Habits

Whereas our morning routine used to involve waking up, getting ready, then driving to school for a 7:30 AM start time, in college we wake up for our 8:30 class at approximately 8:15 and throw on whatever comfortable clothes are within reach. Our study habits have evolved since it is impossible to do well in college without preparation in advance. There is no more cramming the night before a huge exam, or writing a paper the morning it is due. You need to learn to pace yourself and balance all classes and extracurricular activities. But don’t worry, napping is always an essential habit that fits into any college kid’s schedule!

9. Attitude

This is real life. You cannot slack like you used to, since what you do now will affect your success later. You need to work hard and do everything in your power to acquire that dream job. Motivation is what keeps us going, and with that nothing can get in our way. We are always preparing for the next step, and the older we get the bigger that next step is.

No matter how change hits us, it is a natural progression of life. It is our adjustment to it that truly matters.