[raffraffraff]

I entered college at 17. I remember there were two "Mature students" in my year who seemed old. They were in their mid 20s. They hung out together between classes, and didn't stay on-campus getting involved in clubs, societies, drinking competitions etc. In short: they were adults, and being a student, I felt that I had deferred adulthood for a few years. Looking back as a 47 year old, it feels utterly ridiculous. I dropped out of college, farted about for a few years and only started to get somewhere on my career years later, and still passed out my old graduate friends. By the time I hit 35 I was debt-free. I now work a 30 hour week, by choice. Taking a year or five out at 17 isn't a big deal as long as they help you heal and grow.