06/10/2026
I had a meeting with an 18 year old two weeks ago.
She was getting ready to graduate from high school and was going off to college.
And unlike 99% of many 18 year olds, she was making an appointment to set up a healthcare proxy, HIPAA authorization form, and durable power of attorney for herself, because she had seen me on social media.
And it sparked some INCREDIBLE conversation about her future.
Which got me thinking…
Oftentimes - we overlook these young adults.
And of course in my own life, I have a 20 year old daughter, Emily, and I run the Distinguished Young Women program for 16-18 year olds, so I do really resonate with this age group and…
Sometimes even I don’t take them as seriously as I should!
And this incredible young woman was a reminder of that.
She read every word on her documents, asked really good questions about her wishes, what signing these documents meant, and her fears.
Heck - she was asking some questions that my very seasoned clients would not think to ask.
I was so inspired by the conversation that it prompted a conversation with my 20 year old daughter.
To my surprise, I thought I “knew” all of her wishes but it turns out she had some things to talk about.
I felt like I got to connect more with my daughter and understand her more - priceless.
I share this because next time you see an 18 year old (or if you have an 18 year old in your life)
Take them for coffee and truly LISTEN to them.
They know far more than we give them credit for.
www.amyazzalaw.com
EstatePlanning HIPPAAuthorizationForm HealthcareProxy BellinghamMA