By Maya Palavali
Editorial Page Editor
Birthdays are a time of celebration, a cultural and societal way of honoring the day you were born.
It’s a day everyone has for themselves, making us all feel special on our birth date.
I believe in making birthdays a big deal because it helps people feel loved.
Every year I have a birthday party, which I plan out fully (and encourage others to also).
I especially like to go all out for milestone birthdays.
Turning 16 is more than a usual birthday; it’s when we, as young adults, start receiving freedom. Being able to get your license is the first step in becoming an independent individual.
To honor a turning point in your life, your 16th birthday should be treated as a huge deal.
Making certain aspects of this special day is an essential way of marking the transition in a positive light. Having a great party makes growing up less intimidating and more as something to look forward to.
I looked forward to my Sweet 16 because I knew it would be a year where I could celebrate any way I wanted.
Making this milestone a big deal brings motivation, and a way to help transition to independence.
