18 - That's awfully young. My sense is that, generally speaking, an 18-year-old doesn't really know who they are quite yet. Conversion is an awfully big step to take, a rather permanent one, at such a young age.
That being said, there are definitely some 18-year-olds out there who are mature enough to know what they want, and if Judaism is what they want, they should go for it. I would definitely recommend going to different synagogues, trying out services, and hooking up with people at each synagogue who are friendly and willing to answer questions. Then, once you get your nerve up, talk to one of the rabbis. You don't have to necessarily say you're trying to convert, just say you're curious and are wanting some advice. Rabbis will always give you advice on how to make a connection in the Jewish community.
That being said, there are definitely some 18-year-olds out there who are mature enough to know what they want, and if Judaism is what they want, they should go for it. I would definitely recommend going to different synagogues, trying out services, and hooking up with people at each synagogue who are friendly and willing to answer questions. Then, once you get your nerve up, talk to one of the rabbis. You don't have to necessarily say you're trying to convert, just say you're curious and are wanting some advice. Rabbis will always give you advice on how to make a connection in the Jewish community.
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