The day you have been looking forward to all year has finally arrived. No, it’s not Christmas, although just as exciting, it’s your birthday. October 1st is my birthday and as a junior, I will be turning 20. If you are from New York, you can probably relate to my pain. With such late cut-off dates, we were placed in the class of 2013 graduation track from the beginning. It’s like some New York State legislator was laughing at all of us with late birthdays when they made the cut-off date DECEMBER 31st. Now, while most people with late birthdays were born in 1994 and are therefore turning 21 in the later months of the year, we are a full year behind, turning the big 2-0. Here are a few perks to being the babies in your grade.
You don’t turn 21 until SENIOR yearEveryone is trying out their new ID’s at the bar, while you and your other young friends are at home waiting for the day you can proudly march into the bar with your real ID’s and be just like all the other 21-year-olds. As you sit at home while others are going to the bar, think about the money being saved by not drunkenly buying those last shots and dealing with those terrible hangovers the next day. Think of all the clothes and shoes that can be bought with that money instead of spending it at the bar.
Unlike the lucky ones who are turning 21 soon and have a few people to go to the bars with, when you finally turn 21, fall of senior year, everyone can come to your birthday bash at the bars.
Turning 21 young means that you are the chosen one for going on alcohol runs for your friends. There’s always that friend who texts you every Thursday and asks, “Hey are you going to the liquor store? Can you pick me up something?” and you feel obligated to help out. You don’t have to deal with that since you’re not 21 for another year, sorry kid.
“Wait, you’re how old?? Wow you look so young!!”When late birthdays roll around, most people assume it’s a 21st birthday; plot twist it’s only 20, which shocks most people. Getting asked how old you are in astonishment is a frequent occurrence that you are probably more than used to hearing. Another frequent comment is people telling you how young you look. Although you may not like hearing this now, when you’re 40 and people are still telling you this, you will feel blessed to have such a late birthday.
You’re still a teenagerI love being a teenager and I wish I could be one forever. They say your teenage years are the best, so why would I want to grow out of them?! Because I am still 19, I can blame the stupid mistakes I make on being a teenager who is still learning.
I will be using this excuse as much as possible in the next few days, until I turn 20, and have to make real excuses for my actions. Enjoy these days, because they are unfortunately dwindling down quicker than you know.
Try to find the positive in every situation. Remember that in the end, no one can be young forever, so make the most of it while you can!