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Importance of turning 18

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Everyone wants to be an adult when they're younger, waiting impatiently for the freedom that comes with it. But, being 18 isn't as exciting as one might think.

At some point, many of the students here at Catonsville High School will turn 18 whether it's in their junior or senior year. It's a turning point in one's life that many look forward to.

Turning 18 comes with many privileges:

Eligible to vote

Enlist in the military

Open your own credit card account

Sign contracts on loans, car payments, houses, etc.

Purchase lottery tickets

Buy tobacco products (lighters, cigarettes)

Get piercings and tattoos without parental permission

Full driver's license

Not restricted to child labor laws (you can work as may hours as you want!)

You can be hired as a bank teller

You can legally be married

There are some downsides to turning 18. When you turn 18, you are now considered an adult and can be charged as an adult. You must also report for jury duty if you're in the voting registry that year.

Although many may not see age gaps as an issue, the law does. After turning 18, dating or having relations with someone under 18 is considered statutory rape.

Many 18-year-olds are very excited to have these new privileges, and many would not know what to do with all of them. Some students at CHS are sure of what they will want to do when they do turn 18.

"I want to get my tragus pierced when I turn 18, I won't have to ask my parents to come with me," stated junior Sarah Ibrahemi.

Tattoos and piercings are a big thing when turning 18, but many get too angsty and get something they won't want for the rest of their life.

"The first thing I will do when I turn 18 is get a tattoo," stated junior Aurora Rivera-Muñiz.

Turning 18 could be very intimidating as well; you have more responsibilities and you also take responsibility for your actions.

"I'm nervous about having to pay for my insurance, car, rent, and other necessities that my parents take care of," explained Ibrahemi.

On the other hand, one can be excited about having more freedom and opportunities as a young adult.

"I'm excited to get a tattoo and move out but I must take more responsibility," explained Rivera-Muñiz.

Traveling is also more of a possibility because you can rent a hotel on your own and do other fun and outgoing things like skydiving.

"I can't wait to be able to go to a different country and be able to book my own hotel, and I especially can't wait to vote," explained junior Luke Sattler.

Many students are intimidated when turning 18 because they have less or different support from parents.

"My parents told me when I graduate I will have to take on the responsibility of moving out and taking care of myself, but if things go wrong I know they will be there to back me up if I really need it," stated Sattler.

Many young adults who have graduated are able to give good advice when entering adulthood, guidance helps the most at this time where a lot can change in many ways. Not only can young adults help, but you can also utilize resources at school and talk to teachers or parents.

"I was nervous about college when I turned 18, but my mother was there to back me up in case it didn't work out," stated Social Studies chair Courtney Fleming.

Overall, turning 18 can be intimidating, but, having more responsibility will help young high schoolers grow and develop more life skills and life knowledge.

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Everyone wants to be an adult when they're younger, waiting impatiently for the freedom that comes with it. But, being 18 isn't as exciting as one might think. At some point, many of the students here at Catonsville High School will turn 18 whether it's in their junior or senior year.

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A world of adulthood and options

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It is said "age ain't nothin' but a number," but 18-year-olds beg to differ.

This monumental age represents the transformation and introduction to adulthood. Accompanied by ups and downs, 18 is a year that teenagers look forward to and one that adults recall nostalgically.

Many teens say that independence is what they look forward to most when turning 18. "Being 18 means that you are officially an adult and it is not necessary for your parents to baby you," Nova High senior Jason Sandler said.

After high school, students will enter the work force or go to college. This transition from high school to the real world is a challenging test.

Becoming an adult does have its perks. Unlike 16- or 17-year-olds, legally, 18-year-olds cannot be given a curfew. They can sign contracts, vote, buy property, purchase a car or firearms, and establish credit. One of the more extreme privileges 18-year-olds enjoy are piercings.

When asked about what he looked forward to, Nova High senior Robert Smith said, "I looked forward to voting the most. The presidential election happened two days after my birthday, and I really wanted to vote for John Kerry so we could get Bush out of office."

While most 18-year-olds won't consider buying a house, some do look forward to the newly available nightlife and entertainment. Nightclubs, after-hour spots and strip clubs are filled with 18-year-olds dancing and staring in awe. The Seminole Hard Rock Casino in South Florida has become a hot spot among Nova High students.

Those who have already crossed over into adulthood are enjoying their perks, while their younger friends still dream about becoming legal.

"I hate being young in my grade because all of my friends have privileges that I don't. I'm stuck waiting," said Nova High senior Samantha Druss, who will not turn 18 until late August. "I heard stories from my friends and it makes me yearn even more."

Eighteen-year-olds do not look much different than 17-year-olds, but they get responsibility and privileges with their seniority. Younger teens are standing in line, dreaming about the perks, fun and responsibility to come.

"The best thing about being 18 is the freedom. Now we have less restrictions. I wasn't able to vote in the presidential election, but I'm looking forward to it next time. Also, there is no legal curfew."

Sandra Varela, senior, Nova High

BEING 18

"The best thing about 18?

[It] widens my dating

options."

Hawk Ehnes, senior,

Nova High

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18 MEANS WELCOME TO WORLD OF ADULTHOOD AND OPTIONS

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It is said "age ain't nothin' but a number," but 18-year-olds beg to differ. This monumental age represents the transformation and introduction to adulthood. Accompanied by ups and downs, 18 is a year that teenagers look forward to and one that adults recall nostalgically.

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Be economically independent

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Vote

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Adopt a child

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Move out

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Buy a lotto ticket

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Renting an apartment

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Going to college

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It is not about your 18th birthday, it is about what you can do when you turn 18

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Go to jail

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Buy a car