When you turn 18, people say it is official...you are an adult. But are you? When I turned 18, I felt like a kid still. Yeah I had a job, but I was still a senior in high school and had no idea what I wanted to do or why exactly I was going. I didn't feel like I was old enough to be making these decisions. But I just kept living. I feel like "adulting" is misunderstood, but it is understandable. Becoming an adult is something that takes practice, you don't just have all the answers over night.

This was something that took time for me to grasp. I grew up thinking adults ALWAYS had the right answers and that adults NEVER made mistakes. I thought this until I was an adult. It turns out that adults aren't perfect after all. Crazy right? I also learned that being an adult isn't always fun! You have things to do that are no longer something you do for chores. You have to make time for laundry instead of being bribed to throw in a load for mom or dad. You have to do the dishes so your apartment doesn't smell like a load of garbage instead of it being optional. You have to get a job to make money to support yourself instead of mooching (no one likes a 30 year old moocher).

Once you are doing these things, that is when it hits you...you're adulating. It is literally magic!

The other way to know you're adulting is just so flat out weird that it makes you uncomfortable at first.

You are going about your normal life and it just kinda slaps you right in the face. For example, while on break I went and met a friend for coffee at a local coffee shop. I was on my way and passed my old high school. As I slowed for the stop sign, I noticed that school was in session and I wasn't there. Instead, I was going to catch up with a friend. That is when it hit me. I grew up...I am an adult.

Growing up is weird and it kind of comes out of nowhere, but honestly it is so refreshing. Knowing you can make good, well thought out decisions is delightful. Being able to get a job is awesome. Proving you made it to your parents, well it is priceless.

They say college changes you and I feel like I have to thank college for making me even more independent than I already was. I have learned how to get along without someone looking after me. I have learned how to clean properly, manage time, budget money, and still relax. I am successfully adulting and it is one of the best feelings. So, if you're reading this and are also trying your best to adult, go you. You rock. Be the best adult you can be.