Make the right choice…
Ahead of the CAO Change of Mind Deadline on Wednesday 1 July, we’ve teamed up with our good friends in IT Sligo to bring you the 11 things that make all Irish people feel like a real-life grown-up.
Enjoy, because these are the many milestones in your life that make you an adult… whether you want to be one or not.
1. Paying for your dinner at a family meal
It’s not so much a moment as a gradual development.
For years, your parents look after the bill and then eventually, you realise these meals aren’t free and these occasions benefit everyone.
So one day you slip your bit into the bill and BAM! You just became an adult.
2. Voting
Is there anything that makes you feel more grown up than having a say in the important issues of your country?
Sure, it’s a bit confusing where to put the ‘X’, and then it’s even more confusing where you put that piece of paper where you put your ‘X’, but once you come out of the voting booth, they may as well be playing the theme music to Rocky, because guess what?
You just got made.
3. When one of your friends gets married
It hits you like a ton of bricks.
One day you’re all teenagers playing around and kissing behind walls, the next thing you know you’re at the wedding of your best friend and you have grey hair.
It’s an emotional time to be alive. And old.
Pay attention, these things happen fast.
4. Moving out of home
You’ve packed up all your things and your room looks strangely bare. Your parents are crying and your little sister hasn’t a clue what’s going on.
It’s a character-building moment and one you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Don’t get too emotional though… sure you’ll be home next weekend.
5. Getting your first car
That moment you hold the keys to your very own four wheels is a giddy shot of independence that makes you tingle to the tips of your toes.
The possibilities are endless.
You can go where you want (Carlow!), when you want (during work!) and you can pick up anyone you want along the way (ahmm, that weird, hairy guy at the side of the road! Yay!)
What could possibly be better?
6. Applying to the CAO
It’s a decision that will affect the rest of your life.
Picking your college course defines your future career and more importantly your social life for the next four years.
It requires a great deal of thought and deliberation and it’s another point in life where you think to yourself, “I am a grown up.”
7. Going on holidays without your family
Taking off with the mates to go on a foreign holiday is a big step for the whole family.
Your parents call you every five minutes from the moment you leave to the second you return, and you come home looking like a lobster because you forgot to wear suncream the whole time.
Trust us though, it’s worth it because the memories will last a lifetime.
8. Getting a pet
Whether it’s your first pet as a child or your first pet as an independent adult, having something to look after besides yourself is a big step.
From a goldfish to a dog, getting an animal signifies responsibility which only comes with getting older and getting older signifies getting closer to adulthood.
But remember, a dog is for life, not just for those cute puppy parties you love throwing every Friday night.
9. Discussing house prices
Sitting around talking about house prices is one of those moments where you catch yourself and think, “when did I get this old?”
It’s a part of life we all go through but it doesn’t make it any easier.
I DON’T WANT TO KNOW WHAT A TRACKER MORTGAGE IS!
10. Paying bills
A very mundane thing, but something that signifies your coming of age.
Paying your bills is a big part of being a grown up and it’s also when you realise being a grown up isn’t all its cracked up to be.
11. Going for a casual pint
It’s that perfect time when you realise you don’t have to get absolutely mortal to enjoy the benefits of alcohol and you’ve also come to appreciate the quiet pint with one or two close mates down the pub.
Even asking someone the questions feels like an adult thing to do, “Are you coming for one?”
Don’t forget the CAO Change of mind deadline is Wednesday 1 July.
At IT Sligo , they offer a full package to their students so you can think, learn and live during your time with them. Quality courses, experienced lecturers, a modern campus and vibrant social and sporting scenes are the hallmarks of the student experience there.
They offer qualifications from Higher Certificate right up to PhD. So, whatever your experience at second level, they are ready to help you make a successful transition to third level. Visit itsligo.ie.
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