“Adulthood na scam!” – this catchy refrain from Ladé’s chart-topping hit, “Adulthood Anthem,” once resonated deeply with us about a year ago. Being a young adult has been a unique and transformative phase of my life. It’s been a time filled with excitement, challenges, and self-discovery. During this period, I have experienced the highs of newfound freedom, the lows of uncertainty, and the in-betweens of navigating life’s complexities.

Independence has been a defining characteristic of my young adulthood, one of its biggest highs. I have learned to make my own decisions, take responsibility for my actions, and embrace the consequences that follow. It has been exhilarating, I can’t lie but it has also been daunting. I have suddenly had to figure out everything all by myself, from working “9-5”, to paying off endless bills, to whipping up meals and taking care of myself. But that’s all been part of the fun! Being independent has taught me valuable life lessons such as self-reliance, resilience, and adaptability. It has allowed me to explore my passions, pursue personal growth, and develop a sense of identity.

One of the most important things that independence has taught me is the importance of self-care. Alone in the wilderness of life, I have had to ensure that I take care of my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It entails embracing a “healthier and fuller life” – eating right, sleeping well, exercising, and nurturing relationships while setting essential boundaries. Another high of my young adulthood is the strong relationships I’ve built. I have been surrounded by people who traverse the same path or have overcome similar hurdles. We bond over our shared experiences and support each other through the tough times. These are some of the most cherished relationships in my life. However, independence also came with its own set of challenges.

There have been times when I feel lost and alone. I have made mistakes and had to learn from them the hard way. Also experienced heartbreaks, disappointment, and failure. But these challenges have been part of my growing process. They have helped me become stronger and more resilient. One of the biggest challenges of my young adulthood has been “Black Tax”. For starters, the Black tax is the financial burden that many young people have to bear to support their families. It has been a significant part of my experience as a young adult. I lost a parent in the very early stages of my adult life, and I’ve had to step up and support my family financially since then. It has been challenging at times, but it has also taught me a lot about the importance of financial responsibility and sacrifice.

In conclusion, being a young adult is a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and everything in between. It’s been an opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and embracing independence. It has also been a time of challenges and setbacks. But through it all, I have learned and grown. I have become stronger, more resilient, and more compassionate. If you’re a young adult, I encourage you to embrace the journey. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.