If you’ve lived through your twenties or are currently experiencing your third decade of life, you probably know that this time can be such a whirlwind. Some people are already getting married or having babies, while others are slowly becoming independent by working or going to college, and many are still living at home with their parents. This developmental period, from the ages of approximately 18-29, is referred to as “Emerging Adulthood."

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Why is Emerging Adulthood such an important life stage? It’s the point in most people’s lives where they gain independence, kickstart their career, start building a family and/or a life of their own. While it seems as though society and the media place a ton of importance on being a teenager, (i.e., countless tv shows about high school drama or the psychology field’s emphasis on “storm and stress” between parents and teens), what happens after all of the college applications and diplomas?

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As a 22-year-old senior about to graduate college and pursue my master’s degree, I’ve experienced a lifetime of change since receiving my high school diploma. Going from someone who constantly feared the future, to successfully completing my undergraduate education and finding my inner-confidence four years later, I have experienced significant personal growth since I officially became “an adult.” With each passing day, it feels as though I have learned at least one new lesson, which is both exhausting and empowering.

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Not only have the constant epiphanies been an adjustment, but it also feels like everyone is either ten steps ahead of me or trailing way behind. For instance, my little brother just turned 18. He’s about to enter this wildly transformative period of his life, which I just spent four years going through myself. As much as I wish I could guide him every step of the way, I realize that he’ll have to learn the same lessons that I have on his own. For most people, the best way to learn is through trial and error, which is also the definition of Emerging Adulthood—if you ask me.

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In all honesty, there are two reasons I decided to create this project, both of which are a little selfish (in a good way- doing things for yourself is important). The first is that I really needed a space to reflect on my own experiences and growth during the past four years of my life. Throughout the constant change and evolution, I truthfully feel like I haven’t had the opportunity to slow down and fully catch my breath. Thanks to this project, I now have a nice little home for my reflections and thoughts as a 22-year-old. It’s almost like a public diary! Thank God I’m okay with being vulnerable. I hope that every few years I will come back to this project to reminisce on this point in my life and relish in how much I’ve grown and changed. 

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The other hope I had in creating this project was to generate a conversation that would provide both comfort and community for current and soon-to-be emerging adults. 2020 and 2021 have been filled with isolation and disconnection. As a senior in college, there were many times where I felt like I was alone solely because I didn’t have people my age around me to remind me that we’re all struggling (and succeeding!). I know this life stage isn’t easy for anyone (especially during a global pandemic!), so I hope that by sharing some stories from current emerging adults, I can provide written proof that we’re all in this together. 

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Whether you are 15 or 50, I hope you’ll take some time to read these real experiences from 17-24 year-olds of varying backgrounds and life paths. Maybe you’ll be able to take something away from our experiences, or maybe this will give you the opportunity to take a breath and engage in some reflections of your own. Either way, buckle up and enjoy the ride that I like to think of as a guide to Emerging Adulthood.