Thoughts on Turning 22

22 is an iconic time, thanks to Taylor Swift. At this age, one has been considered an adult for a few years, but for some reason, 22-year-olds still can't rent a car.

Birthdays continue to feel dull, and life still doesn’t make sense. Many thoughts go through my head as my birthday approaches, and it goes something like this:

1. The Real World is Expensive

How did my parents do it? My parents are immigrants and have lived from one income for the past 30 years. I never had to worry about medical expenses, car insurance, and credit card bills until I moved out and reality hit me in the face.

2. Friendships Don’t Die

There are people in my life that I still talk to, and I haven’t seen them in years. The summer after my high school graduation, I thought I wouldn’t see most of my friends and that I would move to another city and move on to other friendships. I’m glad that’s not the case. I still text friends from my hometown, venting about my problems, and listening to theirs.

3. Our Parents Are Growing Too

I look at pictures of my parents when my parents moved me into my dorm freshman year of college, and they look different. My mom’s hair was still naturally black and bold. My dad only had light wrinkles in the corner of his eyes. Now, they are grandparents with light strands of grey hair, raspier laughs, and a lot more love to give to their grandchild.

4. Younger Me Would be Proud

I have never had plans or expectations of how my life would be, but this is not how I imagined it would turn out. I didn’t plan to graduate early, move to the DFW area, or work for a veterinary corporation. Although it all seemed unfamiliar, I have adjusted and have enjoyed the unexpected turn of events.

5. It’s the Little Things

Beauty is hard to see when I glance at my reflection, but whenever I try on something I remember that my dad would just look at me with wonder and tell me that I am beautiful. It didn’t matter if I wore a shirt from Forever 21 or a gown from Camille La Vie, he would show me off wherever we went. Thanks to him I walk into any situation with a little more confidence.

6. Should I Start Binge Watching How to Cook Videos?

I am 22, and I still can’t cook. Not because I am lazy, but because I’m picky and have had problems with food before. Is knowing how to cook essential? Or will I be able to go along through life without having to learn?

7. Staying In Is As Much Fun As Going Out

When I was younger, I dreaded staying at home during the weekend. Now, it feels comforting. Not only do I not spend money by staying in, but I get to spend time with my boyfriend and my dog, watch movies and wear sweatpants as I lay in bed.

Every year introduces new characters and plots to our story, but we remain as the main character. Life contains a series of fun, tragic and strange events that prepare us for what's to come. Happy Birthday! To all the January kids.