Becoming An Adult: Two Teens Debate About Turning 18

What Should You REALLY Do When You Turn 18?

Question: Should you do crazy things when you turn 18 just because you legally can?

NO, CRAZY ISN’T AN OPTION

Shaquille Roberts is a senior at Hyde Park Academy High School in Chicago and a student reporter for The Mash.

Some teens think it’s acceptable to get out of control just because they’re of legal age. It’s not OK. I think being 18 years old should make teens become more responsible and mature instead of careless and stupid.

At 18, you have to be more accountable for your actions, so doing crazy things should not be an option. At that age, people expect more from you because you’re not a child anymore. You’re considered an adult. You’re at the age when you can start working, get your own apartment or go off to college and live alone.

The age of 18 is a transition from your young adult years to adulthood. You have to be conscientious; it’s not the start of your wild years where you get crazy just because you’re legal. You can still have fun, but remember that people are watching. You’ll still make mistakes as you try to find your way, but don’t forget everything you were taught.

The law is harsher on legal teens than minors, so you should keep that in mind. Being legal and grown up are two different things. Have fun while you’re young and live life to the fullest, but make wise decisions and choices because it will affect your future.

YES, “CRAZY” IS RELATIVE

Neiko Rivera is a sophomore at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Chicago and a student reporter for The Mash.

Why shouldn’t you be able to do crazy things when you’re 18? As long as you’re not doing anything illegal, no one can really bother you. I’m not saying you should go out and crash a car or get arrested, but you should take advantage of being an adult and really celebrate the moment.

Also, if doing crazy things at the age of 18 is legal, then I don’t think it’s that “crazy.” For example, you can buy cigarettes when you’re 18; what’s so crazy about that?

Maybe in your parents’ point of view things like smoking, getting a tattoo or gambling all your money away are crazy and irresponsible, but they aren’t necessarily against the law. At the age of 18, you can do whatever you want. However, if you make the wrong move, you should also be adult enough to face the consequences.

One thing to remember is that if you still live with your parents, you have to abide by their rules. So if they say no, you might want to listen to them so you don’t end up on the streets.

As long as you’re safe and smart about what you decide to do when you reach the legal age, then go ahead and go crazy. Be adventurous! You only live once..

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