February 7: Four days and I would be considered a legal adult. Four days and I wouldn't get my license taken away if I was caught speeding. Four days and I could get a tattoo or purchase pornography, tobacco products, lottery tickets, pipes, rolling papers, glass and weapons. I could drink in Canada. In four days, I would turn 18.

I'd waited a long time for this. On my 15th birthday, I celebrated by getting my learner's permit. By the following summer, I had my license. At 17, I moved up to R-rated movies and "mature" video games. Now, a whole new bunch of benefits awaited me.... Read more