Florida Shooter Nikolas Cruz Is 19 Years Old: Is a 19-Year-Old Really an Adult? by Mike Prochaska

Do you remember being 19? I’m tired of reading all these articles about the Florida shooter, Nikolas Cruz, saying he was an adult. He is 19 years old! He's just a kid! Who remembers being 19 and all the stupid stuff we used to do with our friends? I do. I was just discovering my freedom.

A 19-year-old can buy guns, but they can’t buy beer or wine. You can buy cigarettes in most states at 18.

A 19-year-old is just mastering driving. I remember between being 16 and 20; I had so many little fender benders. Sixteen through 20-year-olds get in the most car accidents because they are just figuring out proper driving and making mistakes, which is part of life. But the government thinks it's OK for a 19-year-old kid to buy a gun.

I remember being 19. A 19-year-old isn’t an adult – they are just kids who are just discovering their independence and making mistakes. I had the support and love of my family to help me learn. Now imagine if you didn’t have support; you didn’t have backup.

So, do you remember being 19?