The year I turn 21 is the year my life changes forever. It’s not just an age—it’s a moment where I step into my own, no longer defined by what I was but by what I choose to become. It’s the year I take control of my story.
For so long, I’ve waited for this moment, imagining who I’d be and what I’d accomplish. Now, it’s here, and it feels both exhilarating and terrifying. The freedom to make my own choices comes with the weight of responsibility. But in that weight, I find purpose. I am no longer the person seeking permission to dream; I am the one giving myself permission to live.
This year, I will cherish the beauty of the present while honoring the path that brought me here. I will celebrate the small victories, forgive myself for the failures, and promise to keep growing no matter how many times I fall.
Turning 21 is not just a milestone—it’s a declaration. A declaration of courage to step boldly into the unknown, to embrace every possibility, and to create a life that feels true to my heart. This is my year, my turning point, my time to shine.
– Mercy Okonkwo
