One of the many misconceptions of your teen years is that “everything changes” when you become 18. At least in my experience, that’s not very true. You still live in your parent’s house, you still have to go to school.

People look at this birthday with special emphasis, but in reality, the only difference is being able to buy lottery tickets and cigarettes (I have been 18 since September and have yet to do either). One of the few noticeable perks, however, is being able to vote in our first election.

Some people don’t see the point in voting, or they don’t see it as an opportunity; which is exactly what it is. It’s an opportunity to impact our government, to voice our opinions and to personally uphold our little piece of democracy.

Voting is a right we are granted as citizens of a democratic country. It is a privilege that many around the world are fighting for this very moment. The countries of Egypt, Syria and Libya have struggled through the Arab Spring in their tumultuous fight for a say in their respective governments. While the citizens of these countries have lost their lives for this right, we don’t seem too concerned about our right to vote.

One vote. Just a single vote. So many disenfranchised young Americans argue against the power of that single vote. “It doesn’t matter how I vote, it will be canceled out by someone else.”

Even though you only get one vote, that is the magic of the system; everyone gets one vote. The 1%, the politicians, the elderly, the youth voters, everyone only gets one vote. Though this country is far from being socioeconomic equal, this is one way we get an even playing field in the decisions that affect our government.

So I encourage my generation to get out, register (learn how to register on pages 6 and 7) and change this election. While the country may not become radically different overnight just because you waited in line at a voting center, you made a statement.

That statement says a lot about you, and what you want to see over the next four years. Most of the class of 2012 will be 18 by the next presidential election. That’s big. It’s a gift the senior class receives only once every four years.

So get online, do some research (politico.com, thedailybeast.com, and factcheck.org are all great places to start) and make an informed decision at the voting booth. Send a message to our politicians, and set an example for future generations.