Why You Might Know Everything at 18 but Question Everything by 21: A Journey Through Young Adulthood
Finally you're at the sweet age of 18, freshly out of high school, feeling invincible and convinced that you’ve figured out the meaning of life — spoiler alert: It’s not just about acing your finals or surviving your first roommate. Fast forward a few years, and by 21, you might find yourself in the midst of a full-blown existential crisis, questioning everything from your choice of major to how you’re going to pay rent.
If you, lovely reader, couldn't tell, I have hit my existential crisis. Even before I was 18 years old I knew what I wanted in life. At 12, I knew I wanted to be a journalist. At 14, I wanted to attend New York University (NYU) and live in a big city. At 15, I made it my goal to ace all my classes from freshman to senior year of high school, and I did. I achieved a high GPA that I put myself through the wringer to get, plus I participated in too many extracurriculars that I’ve forgotten most of them by now. I also got into NYU and was accepted into its journalism program. Let’s just say 18-year-old me was ecstatic to say the least, until she wasn’t.
Fast forward three years later, I have just turned 21 years old. I didn’t end up accepting NYU’s offer three years ago because my 18-year-old self still had no concept of money and didn’t realize how expensive the tuition was. I’m currently in my third year of college at the University of Central Florida and living with one of my best friends in a nice apartment. Unfortunately for me this time around, I have utterly no clue what I’m doing.
Some may say, “You’re almost done with college. What do you mean you don’t know what you’re doing?” and I would simply agree with them, it’s completely baffling. As someone who takes pride in having their life organized to a T and plans everything accordingly, (psst can you tell that I’m a Virgo?) It's just as shocking to me as well that I’m questioning everything at 21 years old. However, I don’t necessarily blame myself for feeling so lost.
By the time you hit 21, the certainty of youth often begins to unravel. This is not a sign of failure or regression, but rather a natural progression in personal development. Several factors contribute to this shift. As you step into adulthood, you encounter more complex social, academic and professional environments. These new challenges can make previous certainties seem simplistic or naive.
Then there’s your new road to self-discovery. Young adulthood is a time of deep self-exploration. As you gain more experiences, you start to question your previous beliefs, values and goals. This introspection can lead to feelings of uncertainty and doubt. Responsibility and independence also play key roles in unraveling your 20s, with increased independence comes a broader range of responsibilities and choices. This newfound freedom can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, leading to a reassessment of earlier decisions.
The transition from “I’ve got this” to “Wait, what?” is more than just a quirky phase. It’s an essential part of growing up.
Here's why this period of questioning is actually a good thing:
Personal growth is something that happens to the majority of us as we get older. Questioning your beliefs and decisions helps you develop a more nuanced understanding of yourself and the world around you. It allows you to grow and adapt, forming a more mature perspective. Resilience also plays into your growing period. Facing and navigating uncertainty builds resilience and problem-solving skills. Learning to cope with ambiguity and change is a crucial life skill that will serve you well in the future.
Lastly, you grow into your most authentic self. As you grapple with doubts and reevaluate your choices, you have the chance to build a more authentic self. This process helps align your actions with your true values and aspirations.
The journey from feeling like you know everything at 18 to questioning everything by 21 is a natural and valuable part of becoming an adult. This evolution in self-perception reflects your growth and increasing complexity as an individual who is navigating adulthood. Embrace the uncertainty and view it as an opportunity to deepen your understanding of yourself and the world. By doing so, you’ll emerge from this period with a richer, more authentic sense of self and a more resilient approach to life's challenges.
Strike Out,
Orlando
Writer: Erika Ryan
Editors: Olivia Wagner & Makayla Gray
Erika Ryan is a staff writer for Strike Magazine Orlando. She is a multifaceted creative with a passion for literature, art, and film photography. Erika's love for storytelling drives her ambition to become an author, blending her diverse interests into a unique artistic vision. You can reach her at erikarr5350@gmail.com or @erikarryan on Instagram!
