Less than four years ago I finished high school. Teachers used to rave about what was at our beckoning call in the ‘outside world’; the ability to travel, thousands upon thousands of jobs for the taking as well as the flexibility to do whatever you wanted. But yet nearly every single Facebook or MySpace profile of people in my year give the exact opposite impression; most have settled down already. So it dawned on me, why do we young adults all of a sudden have so much responsibility bestowed upon us?

I’ll be the first to admit, I have way too many things on my plate. Between my studies, working what may as well be full time hours, being here at GenQ as well as all of my other commitments; they take up enough time in itself. Throw in a social life and you have total chaos, and don’t even get me started on relationships. I’m not fussed overly because it’s all things that interest me, but when you put everything into retrospect, I’ve grown up a lot faster than what I would have liked to. Can my next birthday be my 16^th again, please?

It is commonly said that you are either married to your partner or married to your work. I’m most definitely the latter. But I didn’t realise that everybody had to reach that path in the road so early on in life. I figured that so many of us would be undecided about what it is we want to do with our lives, what we want our prince charming to be like, how many kids we want, things like that. Out of the last eight to ten profiles I’ve seen, with the exception of one, all were either in a serious long term relationship (or married), or have kids. It caught me by surprise. What happened to getting older gracefully? It doesn’t seem to exist anymore.

Between me and you, I’m going to make a pact. Bugger feeling older by the week and not being youthful; time for a change. No more hesitating about having that extra drink – just do it. I’m 21 years of age, and I’m determined to stay this young until I’m 30. Sure, life has to have its element of seriousness, but what’s wrong with always being young and always being beautiful (gee I wonder where I have heard that one before?)

They say you are as young as the person that you feel... for those who will be 21 in 2022, watch out. A scary overworked 35 year old man will be after you!