Every experience we have, in one way or another, will help each of us develop understanding. Coming of age is a lifelong journey, but there are important events or experiences you can have that will play an important role in becoming an adult. As time passes, we will all experience trials, blessings, heartache, joy, and love; each of these periods in our lives will have a tremendous impact on who we become. These escapades will allow us to come of age. The importance of coming of age develops from experiences that create memories, teach life skills, and inspire character. Creating MemoriesMoments in our lives will often leave a memory, some vivid, others vague. A memory recalls an experience we have had; coming of age opportunities are usually the ones that become memorable. Hannah Goodwin gives advice: “Take time to make memories” (2013, paragraph 1). Goodwin continues to explain that “making memories doesn't require tons of money, or elaborate vacations or expensive gifts.” (2013, para. 1). I absolutely agree with Goodwin's statements. Some of my most memorable experiences come from simple things I did as a child, like learning to ride a bike, playing board games with my family, and even playing in the snow. It was those simple but fun activities that created lifelong memories for me. Not only did these activities create great memories, but each taught me something that helped me become who I am today. From learning good sportsmanship while playing with my family, to learning how to build a snowman, even though the things were simple to learn, I was able to learn them while having fun. I think creating memories is important because by reflecting on past experiences it becomes easy... middle of paper... m. Retrieved from https://www.cbn.com/family/parenting/goodwyn_MakeMemories.aspx.Knight, R. (2012, December 12). How we are shaped by our life experiences. The British Psychological Society. Retrieved from http://www.bps.org.uk/news/how-we-are-shape-our-life-experiences.Seifert, K. (2013, August 21). Life is hard: overcoming difficulties and failure. Phycology today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/stop-the-cycle/201308/life-is-hard-overcoming-hardship-and-failure.Stanton, M. (2009). How Early Experiences Affect Your Emotional and Physical Health as an Adult.PBS.org. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/blogs/how-early-experiences-impact-your-emotional-and-physical-health-adult.Virginia Commonwealth University. (2011, November 28). We are what we experience. ScienceDaily. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com.htm.