Jr. Drew Rothstein picks up the few chips he has left and slowly stands up, the flashing lights and ringing slots filling his senses to the brim. He slides his hands into his pockets–lighter than before–and walks towards the table. He presents his chips and cashes out, his wallet is feeling a little thinner. His buddies cracked jokes as they walked over the red-lined carpet, out of the casino. Rothstein made his way to his car with a sodden posture and his head tucked toward the ground. The cool night air brushes across his face, and he sighs in disappointment. And yet, he feels a sense of accomplishment and achievement, hitting a pivotal milestone in his life: turning 18.
Turning 18 comes with many benefits and responsibilities. Legal adulthood, at times intimidating, yields interesting experiences as young adults explore their new rights. As high school students near the end of their schooling, some try some risky things or take advantage of their privileges. This could mean anything between diving into financial independence to simply embracing the small new freedoms that come with age.
Sr. Ethan Eade said, “On my 18th birthday, I finally got access to Facebook Marketplace, which I have always wanted to shop on. I got a really cool gray hoodie on there that I like. It is probably a top 3 hoodie of mine.” A simple benefit, like access to Facebook Marketplace, can actually make a big difference for teens starting to prepare for life beyond high school. From clothing like Eade’s hoodie to post-high school necessities, Marketplace becomes a valuable tool. For many, it’s even a good step into budgeting and independent financial decisions.
In addition to online perks, turning 18 also opens up new job opportunities. Eade said, “I am starting to train to be a server at my job since I’m legally able to serve alcohol.” Lots of students in the restaurant business have new opportunities for work. Jobs that were once off-limits suddenly become accessible, allowing students to take on greater responsibility and, in turn, earn more money.
Many explore their luck and buy lottery tickets. It’s an easy way to mark their transition into adulthood, even if the odds aren’t in their favor. Sr. Teagan Johnson said, “The day after I turned 18, me and my hockey teammates went out to Bdubs [Buffalo Wild Wings] for a team dinner right before our second-round playoff game against Forest Hills Central. Everyone’s familiar with the claw machine games they have, but I had no clue that you could buy scratch-off lottery tickets at Bdubs. Now knowing this, I decided to buy ten tickets for $10. Unfortunately, all the tickets I bought were bad and lost; however, the feeling of being able to legally buy lottery tickets now that I’m 18 is awesome.”
For some, lottery tickets are not even about winning, it’s about what the moment represents. WO alumni Justin Heck said, “When I turned 18, I went to a gas station and got a lotto ticket, and I have kept it as my ‘lucky ticket.’ Although it is probably not a winner, I use my imagination and think of the possibilities I could have if I won the jackpot.” For Heck, the ticket serves as a memento and a reminder of the possibilities that come with adult life.
Some buck the odds at the casino. Sr. Connor Knapp said, “The weekend after I turned 18, I went to the casino with a couple of my friends. It wasn’t as hype as I thought it was gonna be, but I walked out of the casino up $450. I mainly played blackjack that night, but I got most of my money playing roulette and betting on Red. I also played games like Baccarat, but the tables kept filling up super fast so I couldn’t get a spot most of the time.”
For those like Knapp, the casino can be a thrilling experience, filled with highs and lows. Rothstein, however, experienced the other side of the casino. “The night I turned 18, I finally went to the casino. The second I walked in, the flashing lights and the sound of the slot machines just hit me like a wave of chaos. Not what I had expected. Honestly, it kind of reminded me of a kids’ arcade, but way more fancy and bright. I went with a buddy who had suggested blackjack, so we headed that way. I was pretty nervous but had already bet the max amount of money I was willing to put down, so I at least had some cushion. On the first hand, I placed my first bet, and the dealer shuffled the cards. It ended up being a total bust. I also tried my luck at roulette with the little ball that spun. I didn’t win that one either, but the anticipation of it was cool, although disappointing. I ended up winning a few hands but still left with less than I came with,” Rothstein said.
Not every 18th birthday celebration revolves around money or games. Some center on thoughtful gestures with their newfound adulthood. Sr. Corbin White said, “Over in Spain, the legal age to drink is 18. I wasn’t allowed to drink or anything, but I did buy my parents a bottle of wine as a thank-you gift for letting me go on this once-in-a-lifetime trip. It felt weird buying a bottle of booze for my parents, but they ended up loving the gesture and deeply appreciated it. Had I not been 18, I would’ve never had the chance to do that for my parents.” Buying a bottle of wine may seem small, but for White, it was a meaningful way to show maturity and appreciation.
Turning 18 can also be about creating lifelong memories with the people who matter most. Jr. Maggie Rothstein said. “Turning 18 was something I had looked forward to for a while. My mom, my grandma, and I got matching tattoos–three little hearts to represent each of us. It was really special because it was something we could always share. I also went and bought some lottery tickets, just because I finally could. I didn’t win much, but it was still fun to finally do something I had always joked about.” Getting matching tattoos with her mom and grandma was a symbol of love and connection. It created something permanent they could share forever.
Turning 18 adds a lot of responsibility, but it also opens the door to cool new adventures.
