Growing up means:

This summer, after a series of events, I have realized what growing up actually means. 

Growing up means paying for the gas in your car with your own money.

Growing up means paying for just about everything with your own money.

Growing up means making your own eye appointments.

Growing up means going to the doctors office by yourself, even though you're terrified of them.

Growing up means getting ready for college with little to none of your parents help. (i.e. calling them, packing, making lists, being on top of everything)

Growing up means acting like you have your shit together for your younger brother.

Growing up means doing most of everything for yourself

Growing up means not having your parents' hand to hold anymore.

Growing up means getting a job

Growing up means budgeting

Growing up means leaving

Growing up means productiveness

Growing up means admitting to your mistakes

Growing up means using your own mind instead of relying on someone else's opinion

Growing up means looking at the hard things and realizing that you're actually ok. 

Growing up means that you can actually do it.

Growing up means you are your own person.

That's what I've learned this summer.