Amie Schipper

Growing Up Through Collected Stories

Growing up: there’s no escaping it. Sooner or later, we all go through it, but for no one does this process unfold in exactly the same way. In 1995, psychologist Jeffrey Jensen Arnett introduced the term emerging adulthood: a stage of life between adolescence and adulthood, spanning the ages of 18 to 29. It describes the feeling of being in-between; not an adolescent anymore, but not yet fully an adult either. 

Becoming an adult is not a fixed moment but a process shaped by many different factors. These include individualization (the great scattering), an overwhelming abundance of choices, intergenerational pressure, social media, and time pressure. Together, these influences mean that everyone follows their own unique path toward adulthood. 

It is from this perspective that Almost an Adult was born: a graphic novel that brings together different stories about growing up. The stories are based on the various influences that shape the journey into adulthood. Although everyone becomes an adult, no one experiences this process in exactly the same way. The book brings together different perspectives, making a wide range of experiences, emotions, and challenges visible. By translating these influences into accessible comic stories, I hope to create a sense of recognition for people who are trying to find their way into adulthood in today’s world. 

Almost an Adult shows that there is no single right way to become an adult. Although we all experience responsibilities, expectations, and change differently, we are not alone in that experience. By sharing stories and experiences, we can foster a deeper understanding of this complex and multifaceted stage of life. With this book, I hope not only to offer recognition, but also to create connection and a sense of relief for everyone who sometimes feels almost like an adult.