Turning Twenty

Last night was one of the most difficult nights for me. Not because it was my last few moments ever as a teenager, but because I was struggling to stay awake on the bus that was shuttling residents to and from a video dance party. As soon as the bus emptied, the other don and I would try to get some shut-eye before we arrived at the next destination. Despite the utter exhaustion after eight days of don training and two full days of move-in and residence orientation, the other don (also a classmate from highschool) began asking me about turning 20. I felt quite drained since I hadn't had the opportunity to actually think about turning twenty.

Birthdays are some of the things I like to think through and ask myself if I'm ready to grow up another year. Physically, it doesn't make a difference since you've been changing everyday; but psychologically, it's a different mindset to say good-bye to those teenage years and hello to the twenties. As I went to bed last night tired and sniffling with a minor cold, I wondered if it was an omen of what was to come for the next decade: exhaustion and illness.

But September 4th came rushing into my bedroom bright and early on the sharp sunbeams that pierced through my window curtains. My mom called soon after to wish me happy birthday and checking my e-mail showed that my best friend had already sent me a short story she wrote for my birthday. Upon return from the washroom, I noticed a girl from my floor writing on a birthday card taped to my door. What a pleasant surprise!

Walking into the cafeteria with my breakfast tray in hand, some of the dons started singing "Happy Birthday" and soon the rest of the people joined in. It was kinda awkward, but warm at the same time. I could go on about the little special things people did and said all day, but I'll cut to the highlights:

- talking to my mom and hearing about my brother's first day in public school.

- talking to my best friend who helped me see that being twenty probably suits me much better than being a teenager.

- having a few residents produce the cutest and most hilarious gift I've ever received: a T.M.X, which is a tickle-me-elmo that also waves and rolls over.

- hearing my dad's message saying he bought me two mattress pads and hoping that I would enjoy them.

So in summary, it was the first birthday I've ever enjoyed without birthday cake, but there's always other opportunities for cake. It's also been the first birthday I haven't physically been with family, which shows that it's time to grow up. My fellow dons and residents made me feel appreciated, a celebration of being me and turning twenty. Thanks to those who made the day extra special!

1997-2007 was a great decade and I'm really excited for the next decade to come.