Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Gering High School’s production of The Little Mermaid, in which my niece performed as a member of the ensemble. As I watched the story unfold, however, it got me thinking about the realities facing the graduating class of 2025.
For those unfamiliar with the plot, “The Little Mermaid” tells the tale of a 16-year-old mermaid who falls in love with a human prince. In her desperation to join him on land, she trades her soul to a sea witch in exchange for legs. To finalize the deal, she signs a contract. Of course, it’s all part of a magical fairy tale. But every time I see this scene; I can’t help but think she’s a minor. And in the real world, minors can’t enter into legally binding contracts on their own.This time, that detail hit a little closer to home.
Here in Nebraska, many graduating seniors will soon reach the age of majority,19 years old.That means they’ll no longer be under the legal protection of their parents.
