Monday, June 13, 2011 By Nika Nabifar Julian Lometillo embraces his adulthood and its responsibilities by getting a job at the Amar Glendale Animal Hospital. - Macklin Dwyer Advertising Coming of age brings mixed reactions (June 10, 2011) -- For many students, turning 18 marks a monumental period in their life because they are making that transition from adolescence to adulthood. Turning 18 marks the moment where teenagers can finally vote and be legally considered an adult. Whether it’s making Frappucinos at Starbucks or waiting tables at BJs, students are put up to the test to take on the responsibility that comes with being 18. However, for those who have already turned 18, they have realized that turning 18 really isn’t that big of a deal. “It’s pretty much the same thing,” said senior Nicole Pereira. Many seniors share Pereira’s sentiments, saying that turning 18 is “no big deal,” “no change” and “not a real big difference.” One thing all students who have turned 18 can agree on is that doing so comes with a lot of responsibility. Since 18 year-olds are seen as adults, mistakes are more frowned upon. “Once you hit 18, there are more consequences for your actions,” senior Daron Dulgarian said. Being 18 is always juxtaposed with the thought of turning into an adult and being legal. As a result, those who haven’t reached that point still see turning 18 as the next big step in their life. “The difference with being 18 and any other year is that people actually see you as an adult. When I tell people that I’m 17, I can tell that they still see me as a kid,” said senior Nare Israelyan. Turning 18 also opens the door to a world of new jobs. Teenagers looking for part-time work are constantly disappointed when they realize that in order to apply for a handful of the jobs, they have to be aged 18 or older. Even with that in mind, 18-year old seniors find out that turning 18 does not bring many new privileges. “There really isn’t a lot of freedom that comes with it,” Pereira said. “If anything, I can’t get caught by the police for standing outside alone late at night, but there isn’t any difference.”   So maybe the feeling is just based on fantasies that are quickly diminished once turning those 365 days older. “I think a lot of people see turning 18 as some big deal, but when it finally happens, it turns out to be just like every other birthday,” said senior Teresa Garcia.

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