The transition to adulthood after you leave home and experience the world on your own is marked by lots of phone calls to parents, Googling "how-to" guides, and lots of embarrassing mistakes. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate these new roads, but along with these awkward situations, there are certainly a lot of milestone experiences that, if you're anything like me, you'll secretly be really proud of. And, since I'm only a few days away from turning 20, I thought I'd share a few things I've accomplished in 1.5 years of being kind-of on my own.
1. Cleaning
I'm not talking about tidying. I'm talking about real mopping, dusting and vacuuming! Something even your mom would be impressed with and that doesn't involve stuffing dirty clothes, empty soda bottles and trash under your bed.
2. Figuring out how to do laundry without dying your white clothes a different color
Me, dancing triumphantly after a load came out perfectly clean, and all the same color.
The first couple times I did laundry by myself, I imagined I was like Rachel Green in that first episode of "Friends." The knobs and buttons seemed oddly threatening, and I had to make several phone calls home before I could face the washing machine without trepidation.
3. Budgeting and organizing your finances
Even though you may not have an actual income as a student, managing what little funds you have gives your nearly-grown-up heart a thrill!
4. Scheduling any kind of appointment (and keeping it)
Question is, will you remember to go to said appointment?
It may seem intimidating to go to the doctor or dentist without your parent holding your hand, but I've found that it's even more daunting to schedule that appointment all by yourself! It's so strange to actually be responsible for your own schedule!
5. Driving anywhere farther than an hour away.
I hate driving, so I always feel a little extra proud when I manage to make a road trip all by myself.
6. Attending an interview (and having it actually go well)!
I've never felt older and more professional than when I was sitting in a new blazer doing my best to secure a new summer internship.
7. Buying your parents a present with your own money
I remember the days when one parent would give me money out of their wallet to buy their own present and then pretend like I was the best daughter ever!
8. Making a home-cooked meal, using a stove!
The transition from a microwave and plastic tableware to real silverware and a stove is a difficult one. But there is a special sense of accomplishment when you actually make yourself dinner from scratch! Bonus points if you buy all the ingredients at the grocery store by yourself.
Are any of these experiences relatable for you? I'm sure that this is just the first of many new adult life events that I'll have to accomplish, but I have to say, even with the trials and errors, I'm looking forward to them!
