As I frantically search through the endless shopping abyss known to many as Amazon, hopelessly scrolling to find appropriate gifts for my friends, I can’t help but realize that I’m investing a great deal of time and money into giving the “perfect gift” to my best friend for her 18th birthday. Why, though, I wonder, is turning eighteen such a big deal?

For most seniors, and many juniors, 2014 is the year to turn eighteen; a year to reach the “magical” age of majority, a year to take on new responsibilities accompanied by both privileges and implications, and a year to finally enter adulthood. Turning eighteen means having the right – or responsibility – to be in full control of what you do and how you shape your future.

As an eighteen-year-old, you have officially entered the world of ownership. You can buy and sell a car, real estate, and stocks. You can inherit property, enter a binding contract and, unfortunately, be sued.

In the world of legalities, turning eighteen means an unsettling possibility of landing yourself in jail. As an eighteen-year-old, you face the risk of being charged as an adult and going to adult jail rather than juvenile jail. This means that while you’re still a minor, the juvenile corrections system will focus its incarceration procedures on “rehabilitation” and “incentives programs,” as opposed to adult corrections systems which shift towards punishment. Fortunately, as far as legalities go, eighteen also means lifting driving-time restrictions.

Turning eighteen means recognizing and fulfilling your civic duty. For young men, it means registering for the National Selective Service, or face a fine and/or jail for five years. Whether it’s the privilege of being eligible to vote or the burden of jury duty and paying taxes, eighteen is a new realm of political rights and responsibilities.

For many people, turning eighteen is a joyous day and the start of a new, “free” life. It means buying lottery tickets, cigarettes and lighters, or getting a piercing or marrying without “parental consent.” What people don’t realize, however, is the responsibilities and challenges that accompany the new age.