Turning 21: A milestone?

So it's my birthday tomorrow. I haven't been a big birthday person for a few years now because it really feels like any other day; in my family, it's a sort of rule that you don't have to buy the kids presents when they turn 18. I guess the big deal about this birthday is that it's No. 21.

I think my friends are more excited than I am about this one. I'm one of the last of my group to reach 21, and they've been waiting for me to go to the bars, or out dancing to some "good" clubs. I don't feel like I've missed out on too much based on my age, other than renting a car, but from the way they talk, you would think I was born a few years too late.

I haven't been a teenager for a year now, and turning 20 was no big deal at all. As some people say, it was just another day. This time, however, it does seem like things will be different, and not just because 21 is the U.S. legal drinking age. I think it's related to the idea that people will think of me differently now that I'm the "big" 2-1.

I'm not in college anymore; I'm living on my own and making my own money. I have my first job after graduating and I'm ready to learn what I can about the "real world."

However, I am going to be of drinking age. I admit that I still consider 21 a very immature age. I am very curious about what people think of 21-year-olds in any context, and what their own experiences were in turning 21.

I hope people will comment on this Hub and reply to the questions posed: What do you think of 21-year-olds? What was it like when you turned 21?

Maybe your thoughts will help me get a better grip on this age. I want to be the best I can this year, but it will help to know what I am up against.

Also, if you're not quite 21 yet, please look at the last 2 links I included below. They're things you should do before you're 21. I've done almost all of them, and I have to say, my life seems pretty complete at this point.