Every teenager feels almost grown up, but not quite. So when does adulthood really start? It’s a question many have asked, but the answer varies from person to person.

Sophomore Sean Philips said, “I think you become an adult after high school. That’s when you show some maturity.” Phillips argues that maturity is a big part of what makes someone an adult. Others had different opinions.

FVHS assistant principal Ben Olin believes adulthood depends on “how you were raised and the experiences you go through in life.” He went straight from high school into the army, which made him feel like he had to grow up faster than usual. But after college, things felt different. Even though he once thought he was an adult, he later realized he really wasn’t.

A study by Richard Settersten and his team at Oregon State University says becoming an adult doesn’t happen all at once. Instead, it’s a process that takes time. They believe adulthood is about gaining independence in work, relationships, and decision-making, rather than reaching a certain age.

Ultimately, the transition into adulthood is different for everyone. Some believe it happens after high school, while others see it as a gradual process based on maturity and responsibility. No matter the perspective, adulthood is about growth and independence.