Although I am only 20, I think I've almost figured out this "growning up" thing.
One memory I've held onto is from 2nd grade. My best friend's older sister was in 4th grade. One day at recess the 4th grade class walked past my friend and I, and my friend waved to her older sister. I specifically remember thinking, "Wow! They're so big and so mature... I can't wait to be in 4th grade!" Of course, 4th grade came and I never quite felt as big as those other 4th graders looked.
This cycle hasn't stopped since. At several points in my life, I've looked up to someone older, someone grown up! And once I reach that point, I don't feel as grown up as I thought they were. I don't think I'm an immature person in the least bit, as a matter of fact, for my age, I'm quite mature. I used to think being "grown up" meant going to work everyday, driving, smoking, drinking, cussing, and being able to stay up as late as you wanted. But now that I've "grown up" I know just how wrong I was.
To put it simply, I don't think many people ever completely grow up. No matter how old you are there will always be more to learn, and more to see. Growing up is a state of mind, and in my opinioin, quite a boring one. To fully live, I think we need to be able to act like kids... to laugh so hard that we can't breath, to smile so wide that our cheeks hurt, and to crave knowledge.
I know for a fact that I have matured. Physically and mentally, but as far as being a grown-up... never! I can act grown up when the occasion calls for a mature attitude, but otherwise... I'll always be a big kid!
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Growing up is scary exciting at the same time. I am eighteen, and it still feels unreal to me. I have matured into a young adult, and I can't get any younger. The choices I make today can affect my life in the future. So, growing up comes with responsibilities.