I then thought, well when DO people become an adult? According to the books I've read and the movies I've watched, the transition occurs when you go through a life changing or traumatic experience whether it may be becoming independent as you start a new life in that old broken down apartment you could barely afford, or when you have to learn how to move on from that special someone who you thought was going to be your one and only. Even though these events may apply to other people who have reached adulthood, I have to say these cliche scenarios just didn't apply to me. Then when did I finally come to the state of being an adult? I guess it was when I became fully satisfied with myself. Im not saying that I am 100% content with all of my decisions as well as the person I am now, I think there's always room for improvement. But through the years, I think that I have become well aware of my surroundings. An experience that has triggered my growing consciousness was oddly enough, High School. Yes, High School is a time for arrogant, unknowing, mischievous teenagers to test the waters and make mistakes facing few consequences. But who is to say that making mistakes is not a part of adulthood? The way I see it, adulthood is becoming accepting of yourself uncaring if others may question you. It is learning wisdom through observation, acceptance through experimentation. It is (has been) finding happiness in myself because after all, I am my own best friend. Regardless to say, a lot of my High School experience has been trial and error. I have made plenty of bad choices and failed decisions, a good example of this would be the fashion choices I have made in years past. Though looking back at old pictures can be somewhat humorous/horrifying, I am happy with all of the choices (and mistakes) I have made. Because in the end we are all just human. We are learning and we will keep on learning until the day we die. Its not that High School teaches us the reason for life so that we can become mature and wisdom filled adults. Its that it teaches us that life is not perfect, and frankly will never be perfect. But it is what you make it and finding acceptance in that is what has brought me to the position of my idea of adulthood. Ive also grown an appreciation towards High School because of the people I have met there. There are only a few times in my life where I could say that I have met extraordinary people, people that make you want to think that you met them for a reason. It just so happens to be that most of the people this statement applies to, I have met during High School. This regards not only to the few teachers I have had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know, but also the students. Within a building where I have met hundreds of people with divergent perspectives who all have something to offer the world, it would be hard for me not to say that some of these people astonish me. It is them I think who have also helped me reach adulthood. They are the ones who have brought new perspectives into my life and not always see things so one sidedly. High School has created a sense of community for me in which I am able to learn from the people around me.
Adulthood is not when you reach the age 18 or 21 and you are finally considered to be and adult in the eyes of society. I believe that it is when you reach a state of maturity, acceptance, and wisdom. My experience through High School has helped me find happiness in myself and reach my interpretation of adulthood.
