One normal day of high school for a 17 year old involves going to class, going to lunch and asking for permission to use the restroom; the real world involves more or less the same restrictions. Now as an 18 year old high schooler: you go to class, go to lunch and you still have to ask to use the restroom, but in the real world you can travel solo, own a gun and legally get kicked out of the house. You’re life will take a ‘180’ to say the least. With so much freedom the sky is the limit for what eighteen year-olds can do, but so are the consequences.

Here are a few ways how some fellow Dons have celebrated their big 18.

1. “I went to Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico with a few of my close friends and I was able to show them how my culture celebrates when we turn 18.” -Ana Lorena Valdes

2. “I am not Jewish, but I got a Jewish symbol called Chai which means, ‘cheers to life’. Other than that, my grandma is Polish and she was in a concentration camp so I also got it in her honor.” – Joseph Nappi

3. “When I became a legal adult, I signed up for selective service.” -Tito Howell

4. “I was finally able to drive past the legal curfew, which is 11pm.” – Caroline Epperson

5. “I went skydiving because what better way is there to celebrate being 18.” – Brenna Chapman

6. “Since I have been 18, I have bought a handful of lottery tickets.” -John Cresto

7. “I went to Barona with some of my friends.”- Clayton Dale

8. “I went to an 18 and up concert, which was Swedish House Mafia.” -Gala Paoli

9. “I went to the [Del Mar] Racetracks.” -Jordan McBrayer

10. “I bought cigarettes just because I could. Then I threw them away because they’re gross.” -Anonymous

11. “When I go through the airport security, I now have to take off my shoes.” -Paige Haley

12. “I went to a hookah lounge because they are known for their paninis, but I had not had the opportunity to try them, and they are really good!” -Giulia Ferrera

13. “During the government field trip, I was able to enter an 18 and up courtroom and it was cool because it was a more serious case.” -Rachel Wayne

14. “I registered to vote.” -Natalie Creede

15. “I signed off on one of my own permission slips.” -Nicholas Edwards Johnson

16.“Since I am 18 I now have a voice, so I decided to give my opinion and vote against the Paseo Mall.” -Collein Greinger

17. “When I was injured I went to the Adult Hospital instead of Rady Children’s Hospital and it made me realize I am getting older.” -Kelsey Blacker

18. “I had permission from my mom, but I went by myself because technically I dont need her permission, to get my second piercing.” -Megan Reed

In the end, being eighteen inevitably gives us more freedom, but we must remember to live responsibly.