My birthday is this coming Friday, and as it approaches I get a weird sense that this is sort of it. It is a weird thought that 20 years ago I came into this crazy place, but besides the nonsensical whims of growing older, I began to realize how turning 20 is a great step in a person's life overall. It may seem insignificant because it isn't a milestone such as your 21st or 25th, but if you think about it, you are finally out of the awkwardness forest that is childhood.

Those who have turned 20 this year will understand how it is a tease and a new pressure that is introduced into your life. Turning 20 means you are on the cusp of being a full adult. You aren't a full adult because you can't drink legally at a bar or any other function, and you can't rent a car on your own as well, but nonetheless, you are no longer considered a teenager. Yay! Responsibilities! Speaking of responsibilities, now that you are 20, you have to really start thinking about your future as a member of society. This is terrifying if you really think about it, because less than two years ago you decided your life path when entering college, and now you really have to start thinking about saving money, buckling down and finding a career within the next two to four years. Tell me that isn't a tiny bit stress-inducing...

But look, it is totally fine because you are a smart college student working on your degree in whatever. You'll be able to land a job easily. Piece of cake. Oh, but wait, there's more: you now have to get serious about college because messing up could screw the future you have planned in your head. Naturally, you have to try to assume the role of an adult and work like a cog in the well oiled machine that is life. How boring and monotonous... This wasn't your original plan. You were going to be a swashbuckling buccaneer traveling the seven seas searching for adventure, or even shine in front of millions as you performed a song you had written that was a number one hit, but life says no. It is a mini-midlife crisis that is totally normal for anyone in their 20s, and honestly, it doesn't mean life isn't going to be an amazing adventure on its own.

Although you have to think realistically and become more mature with life goals, you can still have the childhood adventures you craved. Travel the world before settling on anything or follow a muse wherever it takes you, because, let's be honest, life can be exciting with a little spontaneity and when you go into the unknown. Overal,l make life worth it and always say yes to new opprotunities as they come along. Happy birthday to everyone from 1996! Let's take our 20s by storm!