I always had a strong belief that no matter what age you are, you can always retain that inner child of yours, even in college. Some may think the stresses and pressures of college would make one grow up too fast, but I believe we all have the ability to grow up and still be an updated version of that child we once were. We get to choose what qualities we want to keep: that childlike innocence and imagination or the not-so-favorable childlike mannerisms. Just because we get older with each day that passes, we can still hold onto our inner child.

I think a lot of people, especially college students, want to believe that in order to be a respected adult to both themselves and their peers, they have to act as that textbook definition of what it means to be an adult. One of the most inaccurate ideas of what it means to be an adult is the complete absence of our childhood self, meaning comics, cartoons and anything remotely childish are perceived as off-limits.

I think we can all afford to keep our inner child alive and still manage to be taken seriously as an adult. Just because you still have childlike tendencies such as watching cartoons or having innocent ideals, doesn’t mean you don’t know the meaning of responsibility. In fact, It is a good thing to cling to that part of you that was willing to believe in the impossible or unafraid to do something a bit goofy once in a while. It’s what keeps life interesting, as well as fun, and gives you a better outlook on life. 

I don’t think having responsibilities such as school, bills and jobs really affect whether or not we can still entertain our inner child. It is possible to have the best of both worlds and be a fun-loving adult who knows when to be serious and when to sit back and enjoy life.

Just because all these responsibilities of college are suddenly thrust upon you, doesn’t mean you have to completely lose yourself to the stereotype adult. It is still possible to be both responsible and enjoy the things that seem childish to others. So, enjoy those old cartoons you used to watch, read that comic that just hit the stands or play a game of hide-and-seek without feeling the least bit childish or less than adult. Having an inner child in college isn’t a bad thing. It’s what keeps us alive and ready to try new things.