For many years, there was a small, forgotten piece of land next to where I lived. No one seemed to own it—or if they did, they certainly weren’t taking care of it. Garbage piled high, and random strangers would drive by and dump more trash on the already-overflowing plot. The fence was falling apart, and it had become the local headquarters for rats who regularly invaded people’s homes and cars.

At night, we’d cross the street to avoid that corner. Neighborhood kids played in the road, risking injury from passing cars, just to steer clear of the dangerous, rodent-infested land. It was a problem everyone acknowledged but adjusted to, never realizing the true cost of their accommodation: car repairs from rodent damage, thefts from cars parked near the lot, drug use, prostitution, and an overall drop in property values. Worst of all, it put our children at risk.

Then one summer, everything changed.

A newcomer to our neighborhood did what, in hindsight, seems obvious: they organized. They brought people together, pointed out the issue, and helped us use our civic rights to take action. Together, we discovered that the land was jointly owned by the local government and a federal institution—neither of which were maintaining it properly.

We reached out to our local representative and voiced our concerns. Almost overnight, a cleanup crew arrived. The garbage disappeared. The fence was replaced. The rats were gone.

But we didn’t stop there. We turned that eyesore into a beautiful community garden and play space for our children. What had once been a symbol of neglect became a symbol of unity and progress. By taking civic action, we transformed our environment—and we learned some essential adulting lessons in the process.

What Is Civic Education, and Why Is It Important?

Civic education is the study of the rights and duties of citizenship. It teaches people about the structure of government, the importance of participation, and how to be informed, responsible members of society.

Why it matters:

• It helps you understand how your government works
• It empowers you to make change
• It prepares you to protect your rights and the rights of others

Civic education is a key part of adulting—knowing how to make your voice heard and understanding your responsibilities to your community and country.

What Is Civic Responsibility?

Civic responsibility means actively participating in your community and democracy. It includes:

• Voting in local, state, and national elections
• Staying informed about issues that affect your life
• Contacting your representatives
• Attending community meetings
• Volunteering and helping others

Adulting means realizing that the world doesn’t fix itself—you have to be part of the fix.

Key Adulting Takeaways from This Experience:

• Educate yourself – Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a citizen.
• Prompt civic engagement – Know your local, state, and national representatives. Let them know what matters to you.
• Strengthen democracy – When you engage, elected officials become accountable to you—not just lobbyists or special interests.
• Understand opposing views – You may not agree with all your neighbors, but civic engagement fosters dialogue, understanding, and connection.
• Know how government works – Learn how local government operates and how you can influence it. Real adulting means understanding systems that impact your life.
• Teach the next generation – If we don’t teach our youth about civic responsibility, we risk losing the rights that protect us.
• Vote in all elections – Not just presidential ones. Local elections often affect your day-to-day life even more. Look past campaign slogans and research candidates’ track records.
• Think critically about candidates – Don’t be swayed by empty promises. Review their history, their actions, and what they stand for.

Final Thoughts: Adulting Isn’t Just Bills and Jobs—It’s Community

Adulting is often portrayed as paying bills, managing finances, and cooking your own meals. But there’s another side to it—being an active, informed member of your community. That vacant lot next door? That’s not someone else’s problem. That’s your opportunity.

Civics and community engagement are powerful tools. They can either help shape the world you want to live in—or leave you at the mercy of decisions made without you.

So take that step. Learn. Vote. Speak up. Help your neighbors. Advocate. And most of all—shine together.

“The sun don’t shine forever, but as long as it’s here, then we might as well shine together.” – “Victory” by Puff Daddy feat. The Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes