From kindergarten to my first year in college I believed the main purpose of a K-12 education was to turn me into a successful adult. Like most kids, my friends and I dreamed of those days—the days when we could have chocolate milk for every meal, and choose for ourselves what we were going to do.
Boy, did THAT bubble burst loudly.
Now that I am an adult I’ve learned chocolate milk doesn’t taste very good with most of what I eat, AND most of what I eat gets stored in my torso. Yet the most surprising lesson: adults don’t always know all the answers.
Sound advice from my #3 favorite show: Parks and Rec!
I guess I thought that on my 21st birthday I’d be handed a book with answers to life’s greatest mysteries. Like:
- What is a family Mexican restaurant? Are single people allowed?
- Why isn’t the 1040EZ easy to file?
- Why would I get fined for paying off a loan early?
- What happens to my debt when I die?
- Why is life insurance only used after a death?
- Why do we say “skool” for school?
- Why does my dog need a license? She doesn’t even own a car.
- Who owns the banks?
- Is music getting worse or am I getting older?
I never received that book…and while I’d still love know those answers, I think the magic of adulthood is not in food, success, or having a car. For me at least, it was seeing which friends will really stick around when they aren’t forced to see me in the next class. Being able to make 10 or even 30 year plans.
There’s more stress and fewer raging hormones, which overall is a manageable combination.
I manage mine with ice cream and Parks and Rec reruns…
Karianne is the founder of Windmill Ways. She plays the cello professionally and currently works as an Art Director for a charity. Because she loves animated shows and movies, she studies 3D animation and graduated with a BFA with the unfortunate class of 2020. Her dream vacation would be just staying home, but "home" being a glamorous cabin somewhere in the mountains surrounded by forest.
Favorite band: Lord Huron
Favorite book: This Present Darkness
Favorite quote: "Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail." Proverbs 19:20-21 (NLT)
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