Coming of age

Posted on May 16, 2014 by in Op-Ed

Gerardo Chan

Chronicle Reporter

Turning 18 is filled with so many expectations because you are now considered an adult. Now one can get a tattoo, vote,  buy and sell land, buy and sell stocks, stay out past the 10 PM curfew, enter a contract, sue, adopt an animal, get married, buy lottery tickets, and much more.

Many teenagers forget about the negative aspects of turning 18, now you can be sued, go to prison, perform jury duty, be drafted (men), and a lot more negative things that can impact your life.

So many new rights and responsibilities are given in one day, but they do not really affect you all at once. The transition for 17 to 18 happens like any other day. Most teenagers do not turn 18 and immediately rush to get tattoos, get married, buy stocks, or all the other kinds of these “adult” things.

The expectation of what being 18 means is greatly exaggerated and unrealistic. Most people have this idea that turning 18 makes you an adult and you can go into the world on your own. Being an adult does not just happen overnight.

After your 18th birthday you’re still going do the things you did as a 17 year old. It is true that turning 18 entitles you to many rights,but most people will not exercise these rights until later in life.

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