MILESTONE MOMENTS

The 18th year. The bell of freedom rings when you blow out that final candle on your birthday cake, signifying the turn of another year. And with that moment come many things. Such as …

NO CURFEW

No curfew. Now you can stay out as late as you want and do almost whatever you want. Get out and have some fun; your time has finally come.

"I think it'll be fun but also dangerous seeing as how I might stay out longer. We'll have to be more careful how we act and where we go. It's a lot of responsibility."

Sarah Shin, 17, Palo Verde High School

"Over the summer between senior year and college, it'll mean hanging out with my friends, probably until 2 or 3 (a.m.). But before and after summer, I'll have school, so I'll still be getting to bed at a decent time."

Kaleb Stumbaugh, 14, Basic High School

"I thought no curfew was going to be like Christmas morning (anticipation and excitement of opening presents), but it feels like after eating Thanksgiving dinner (fatigue and discomfort from eating too much)."

Shayna Robertson, 18, Taylor University Fort Wayne

"I think no curfew will get me in trouble, because I am a night owl and I will stay out way too late. I know I'll have to get in trouble a couple of times before I set limits on myself."

Felicia Joiner, 17, Mountain View Christian School

"No curfew will be pretty cool, but I could see the bad results of having no curfew. Having a curfew isn't really that bad, because most of the activities here can only be done if you are 21 or older."

Kurisu Gunther, 18, Mountain View Christian School

COLLEGE

College. Yep, more school. More homework. Different campus. Now, the decision: Keep the luxuries of home and go to a community college, or choose freedom at some faraway university.

"I just can't wait to move out of the house."

Rachel Jeys, 17, Mountain View Christian School

"It'll be cool because I can do whatever I wanna do, but at the same time it'll be harsh because I have to control myself and take responsibility for whatever I do."

Saesaem Lim, 17, Mountain View Christian School

"I have always planned on going to college, but where is the question. My want to be out of the house definitely influenced my want to go to college out of state."

Brianna Collier, 18, Mountain View Christian School

"They think they'll be their own boss and in charge. What they don't see is that they'll have all these expenses and will still need their parents' money."

Diana Anderson, history teacher, Mountain View Christian School

VOTING

Voting. What's your stance? Who's got your vote? Does it matter? What's the point? It's all up to you.

"Yes, voting is important because without it, the people do not have a voice. Voting gives the people power to change our country. I did not vote, but I should have."

Kurisu Gunther, 18, Mountain View Christian School

"Voting is important, because if we don't vote, we won't know who's running our country."

Brianna Farrell, 14, Mountain View Christian School

"Yes, I think voting is important, because it's a sign of our freedom."

Rachel Williams, 14, Mountain View Christian School

SELECTIVE SERVICE.

If you're a guy between 18 and 25 don't forget: You have to register with the military in case there ever is a draft.

"I think they should have Selective Service. If the country is in need, it's the duty of the citizens."

Ryan Cunningham, 18, Mountain View Christian School

"Personally, I haven't yet registered for it. I know I should, and if I have to serve the country, I would."

Keegan McCann, 18, Mountain View Christian School

"I don't agree with Selective Service. Some people don't want to be drafted, but I really wouldn't mind, because I've always wanted to be a Marine or a Navy SEAL."

Kevin Santos, 17, Mountain View Christian School

"I think it's just a part of being a citizen. If you live here, it's just a part of doing your duty to the country."

Matthew Brennan, 17, Mountain View Christian School

"I agree with Selective Service. I think that there has to be a safeguard in case someday no one wants to be in the military, there will still be one."

Rebekah Killam, 16, Mountain View Christian School