It is true that as a child, you do not realize your parents are 100 percent correct when they emphasize the importance of finding enjoyment as a child and tell you to stop striving to be a grownup. I am not sure what it is about young children and teenagers that makes them want to be adults so quickly, but we all go through it. Then, the next thing you know, you are working full-time reflecting back on the younger years realizing that your parents were correct.

Childhood is a beautiful thing. Children are so innocent and naive. Their number one concern is running as quickly as possible to the playground to during recess in order to guarantee a turn on a swing. If you are a girl, boys are gross. And if you are a boy, watching race cars or huge crane rigging is the coolest thing ever.

Even during the awkward middle school years, friendships are still so much fun. There is no concern about work or money, just having sleepovers with your best friends, playing games and laughing.

Then it is on to high school where you start having relationships, going to school dances and finally being a strong athlete and making the varsity team. During these years, you get your drivers license and start to truly feel like a grownup. Everyone thinks that high school friendships last forever, but the truth is that everyone goes their separate ways. Some choose college; others trade school or some start a job with the family business without further education.

This brings us to the college years. Going away to college was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It was my first time living away from home and choosing to reside in the dorms left me with someone to hangout with at all times. Classes start later in the day and you are held responsible for every choice you make. These are the years I began growing into the adult I am today.

Again, after college, the new friends and even the ones from the past that are still around choose different paths. Whether it is a job that requires moving across the country or the decision to go onto further education at another university elsewhere, this is another time for goodbyes and life-changing decisions. People being getting married and starting families, thus starting this cycle all over again.

All of this leans on one thing, be a kid as long as you can. Enjoy youth and do not try to grow up too fast. Be involved in something and commit yourself to it. Be open to all types of people and build strong friendships. Give as much as you take, and believe your parents. They are right.