Just yesterday, I sent a text to my 21-year-old daughter, Sophie, who is currently interning at her college over the summer. “I’m so thrilled for you!” I typed, trying to convey my excitement in the limited language of texts.
“What’s so thrilling about it?” she replied, curiosity piqued.
Good question. I attempted to articulate my thoughts. Sophie is standing on the edge of what could be an exhilarating chapter of her life. At 21, she’s a senior in college, gearing up to graduate in less than a year. She’s busy laying the groundwork for her future. Next week, she’ll tackle the GREs, narrowing down potential graduate schools, and considering cities she might want to live in and careers she might want to pursue.
From my perspective, nestled in my 47-year-old suburban life, it all seems glamorous and filled with promise. Yet, I can imagine that for her, everything might feel daunting—or even overwhelming. We often don’t grasp the magnitude of our 20s until we’ve hit our 40s. When I was her age, life didn’t feel particularly adventurous. I graduated from college, found a job in my field almost immediately, yet loathed it and left within a year. That same year, I met and married my husband.
My 20s were a whirlwind. I had two children, bought a house, and traded a full-time job for full-time motherhood. It was a tumultuous time of transitions, but back then, I didn’t fully acknowledge the significance of it all. I want Sophie to see what I missed. She’s at a pivotal moment, poised to leap into the unknown—an unknown she has shaped herself. She can travel, pursue a career, or continue her education in graduate school. The world is her oyster.
However, with this newfound freedom comes stress. The financial support from her parents will dwindle, and the safety net of college life will vanish. She’ll be competing for jobs against many qualified candidates, sometimes facing rejection. Long work weeks, office politics, and the possibility of unexpected job loss will be new realities. The burden of student loans will weigh heavily, and she may find herself holding onto her old car longer than she intended.
Romantic relationships will also complicate her journey; she may experience love and heartbreak more than once before finding the right companion. She might even face the prospect of juggling in-laws or, perhaps, watch her friends settle down while she remains the perpetual bridesmaid. The dream of owning her first home may quickly transform into a reality filled with unforeseen expenses like a broken furnace or a leaky roof.
Despite these challenges, I want her to seize the wonderful opportunities ahead: attending grad school, falling in love, and potentially building her own family. The friendships she forges now might last a lifetime. The thrill of making her own decisions and confronting challenges will shape her into the person she’s destined to be. And let’s not forget the joy in the little moments—a weekend getaway, a delightful brunch, or the satisfaction of a job well done that leads to a promotion.
Looking back, I wish I had recognized the power of my 20s. Each choice I made connected to another, creating a web of decisions that still impact my life today. I want to tell Sophie to embrace her 20s wholeheartedly. Don’t shy away; be aware of your choices, and most importantly, enjoy the ride.
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In summary, I urge Sophie to fully embrace this exciting decade. It’s a time filled with opportunities, challenges, and unforgettable experiences that will shape her future.
Keyphrase: Embrace Your 20s
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