As my final week of my 18th year begins to wrap up, I can honestly say that nothing about being 19 seems very thrilling to me. Out of all the ages you can be, I think age 19 is probably the most insignificant. Sure, I am turning another year older, but that just means I am one step closer to real adulthood. Life after college? I do not want to get closer to actually thinking about that. Last year of my teens? Cool, but it is still not hitting the monumental21st birthday.
What about 19 is fun?
You are not 18 anymore, and yet you are still one year away from reaching the second decade mark. At 19, you are just stuck in the middle of fresh young adulthood; and wow, I beat teen pregnancy.
The 19th year is so insignificant, no one really even cares that it is your birthday! I mean, sure, I hope I get a few birthday wishes, but I won't receive the "congrats on being legal" because that time is over. (By the way, who even invented that phrase? You have always been a legal citizen... right?) It's not as cool as age 15, 16 or 17 either because you are not being granted any new rights. It feels like I have been able to drive and see R-rated movies forever now. So, what's new? Nothing.
Now, I am not saying a birthday is only significant if you are granted new rights because after age 21, you get squat. I am just feeling a little reluctant to turning 19.
But, you know what, even though 19 is a significant age, it does not have to be a significant year. I am excited for all that will happen in my 19-year-old life, and I hope I make the most of it.
Peace out, 18-year-old me.