Entering college as a fresh faced 18 year old and graduating at age 22, you go through a lot and you change a lot. If you’re anything like me when you turn 20 you’re going to feel like turning 20 is super old and that 21 is the epitome of all ages. As I am entering my 22nd year, I am taking a look back at everything that has changed in college and all the little things that make me feel like a full grown adult.
1. Getting a roommate and learning to share a space.
If you’ve grown up your whole life without sharing a room with a sibling this could be more challenging for you. You learn a lot about yourself when you are sharing a space with someone. You learn how possessive you are and the little pet peeves that you didn’t know you had. You also learn how to talk things out constructively instead of holding silent grudges until you explode. Whether they turn out to be your best friends or your worst nightmare, having a roommate is the ultimate learning experience.
2. Getting your first credit card.
This seems like the ultimate in trust and responsibility. With a shopping addiction and a love for food paired with a tendency to just swipe, swipe, swipe…Man, I feel adult and scared. Mom, what’s a credit score?
3. Bills, bills, bills.
It is likely that you’re parents have declared you as financially responsible enough to handle at least one monthly bill. This could mean electric, cable, water, grocery, what-have-you but you have to pay those babies on time and that means budgeting and possibly not buying that eleventh pair of fleece lined leggings.
4. Learning how to grocery shop.
The old saying of “don’t grocery shop when you’re hungry” is true, do not do this unless you want to spend more money than you were planning on and end up with 10 packages of oven-ready cookies. Oh, and make a list, it will be easier to say no to the Dorito deal and yes to what you really need. Nothing makes me feel more adult than going to the refrigerator, finding nothing edible, and only having myself to blame. Sorry mom and dad, I guess I’m hard to please.
5. After the grocery shopping comes the cooking.
Follow a recipe and you’ll be fine…just don’t burn the apartment complex down. You can’t live off of microwaveable dinners forever. (Please, don’t take that as a challenge.) It feels pretty accomplishing to learn to cook something and your parents will feel better that at least you won’t starve.
6. You’re at the age when you might be expected to bring something to events or holidays.
Whether it’s housewarmings, wedding showers, weddings, Thanksgiving, Christmas or just a quick stop by to say hello, it always sets a good impression to get something for the host. Your parents may have been doing that and you didn’t realize but now you’re at the age where you’re responsible for this type of gift giving. Bring what you can afford, and who doesn’t love chocolate or wine?
7. Resume writing, interviewing and career aspirations.
If those three things don’t make you feel adult, I just don’t know what will.
But really, we’re all still so young, 22 year olds are the babies of the adult world. So, relax, take things as they come, try new things, and take adventures. Enjoy yourself, we have the world at our fingertips and still so far to go.