SOL: Stanzas of Life

Our society defines the initiation process of adulthood marked by a specific calendar date, eighteen years after we are born. Thus, the ticket to adulthood is punched on our eighteenth birthday. Whether our birthdays are encompassed by the normal, mundane routine of life or new adventures, we all have a special day to cherish with proximate family and friends.

Most teenagers do not fully appreciate their transition from adolescence to adulthood. We, collectively as the Millennial generation, are societally unaware of the significant adult responsibilities we obtain due to solely our age. Signing-up for the national draft, applying to legally vote, choosing a higher educational institution, and managing credit are all critical life decisions and rights as national citizens. Whether our generation is ready or not to enter into the next chapter of our lives, we are all propelled into the realm of adulthood. Our preparedness is a matter of maturity and parental upbringing.

As I gain a minute grasp of life’s true meaning, I am often set back in profound awe and a state of ironic confusion. The beauty of human life is overwhelming. Human complexity and evolutionary changes with our cognitive abilities challenge my understanding of humanity. Our collective view of society is skewed by the constant bombarding of notifications and electronic distractions, yet we (humans) all share a common desire to focus on unity and inclusion. We are immersed into a society that is engulfed by technological advances. 

Through exploring the inner workings of manhood and further questioning our moral purpose as humans, I often conflict over the irony of  life’s beauty. The popular notion of avoiding obstacles and following the more established path of life is drastically apparent in our convenient society. The general public “impresses upon you how unique you are, encouraging you to cultivate your individuality while at the same time trying to squish you and everyone else into the same ridiculous mould” (E.A. Bucchianeri). The beauty of life becomes diminished when we focus on prideful actions for the betterment of oneself rather than the united virtue of overcoming our society’s obstacles in unison.

The irony of an adolescent adult is accurately reflected in turning 19 years old. It’s an age of change, centered around maturity and fully immersed in the adult culture. Eighteen is the age at which you are pronounced an official adult, but you still are on the border of a reckless teenager and a developing adult. As a nineteen year-old, you are forced into acting like an adult, but you still have your training wheels on. The rusty training wheels from the beginning of your riding adventures are about to fall off. At 19, you are finally thrusted into society!

What does becoming an adult fully encompass? Legally, adulthood typically means that you have reached the age of the majority and at a certain level of maturity. Thus, parents lose most of their “driver” rights and responsibilities regarding their child’s level of maturation and decisions.  

The adult journey officially begins, leaving the phase of adolescence behind.