Student Outlook -- Lauren Loeb

The day you have been anticipating for more than half your life is

just around the corner, and although all along you have felt overjoyed to

gain the responsibility of adulthood, the realization of actually turning

18 is a bittersweet occasion. Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely

the pluses of turning the big 18, but when you really sit to ponder the

whole picture, it is an enormous change in one’s life.

As far back as I could remember, my friends and I would always try to

look and act older. From playing dress up with our moms’ old clothes to

feeling the excitement the first time we were allowed to go to the movies

alone, we were always in a hurry to grow up. Now, as my 18th birthday

grows nearer, I find myself left with the feeling of wanting to go back

in time, as my childhood comes to an end and the responsibilities of

turning 18 set in.

Although our parents will always be there for us, it is a little scary

to think in a matter of a year, some of us will be out on our own

building our lives in hopes of a rewarding future. Once you hit 18 and

the label of “adult” is put on you, there’s no more messing up. This is

it, this is the start of your adult life and the choices you make now as

an adult alter what will become of your future. There’s no more excuses,

calling home to Mom and Dad when you’re in a bind. You’re pretty much on

your own, entering a new chapter in your life like a baby taking its

first steps into a world of uncertainties.

Although the thought of turning 18 could make you a little uneasy,

look on the bright side. There is that feeling of being all grown up and

having the right to do pretty much what you want. There’s no more

depending on that elderly figure because now you’re in charge. You have

the privilege to sign yourself out of class, a time every high school

student awaits, order anything you want, not be concerned with “the 18 or

older rule,” check yourself into a hotel and, of course, add your vote to

a presidential election. Whether you’re counting down the days till your

18th birthday or the thought of becoming an adult makes you a little weak

at the knees, take a breath and slow down because remember, you’re only

young once and that excuse won’t last forever!

* LAUREN LOEB is a Corona del Mar High School junior whose columns

will appear occasionally in the Community Forum section.