Newsflash: turning 20 years old is somewhat life-changing. It's a time when you're stuck between old enough to buy a lottery ticket and vote but too young to enjoy a drink (legally). Your 20th year is a time of learning. Here's a list of 20 things I have learned over the awkward and not-so-exciting year of being 20, thus far.

1. Peer pressure still exists after your teenage years.

At this point in your life, you may not feel the pressure to drink, party, or dress a certain way. Still, however, we are influenced by our peers and society. There is pressure to become a doctor or lawyer, make more money, be successful, have a high-paying job, etc, etc, etc. These pressures are difficult to deal with because they may not line up with our current desires or life plans. Perhaps it's better to realize what makes you happy and do it, because passion leads to ultimate success.

2. You don't have as many friends as you did in high school.

It's nobody's fault, it's just life! You can't force friendships. People have a change in interest and that's okay. You may be busy with academics and internships at this point in your life and have less time to devote to social activities. Your true friends will stick by you and continue to watch you grow; they'll support you. If you lose some friends along the way, chuck it up to a change in interest, accept it, and find friends who will help you become a better person; these are the people you need in life.

3. You don't have everything figured out.

The truth is, nobody really knows what the heck they are doing when they turn 20. At this point in your life, it may just be a game of trial and error until you find the perfect fit. At this point, we are still young and can afford to fail, plus how we react to these failures will open up many future opportunities.

4. You will switch your major at least 4 times.

Even when you swear it's the last time and you know what you're going to do, you'll find yourself switching just once more, because real-life decisions suck.

5. Stop comparing yourself to others.

This is one of the hardest lessons to practice. There will always be someone who's prettier, funnier, richer, and more successful than you. Instead of trying to be everything that they are, focus on being the best version of yourself.

6. Its really, really, REALLY tough to save your money.

It is hard to budget money when there are so many "things" glamorized on TV and in magazines. We live in a society of instant gratification. A good tip is to spend half and save half of your paychecks.

7. College doesn't teach you the practical things in life.

Unfortunately, in college you don't learn life survival skills such as how to cook, balance a check book, or how to read the stock market. Sometimes you've got to do things for yourself-- learn these things early on so you don't embarrass yourself in the real world.

8. Now is the time to cross off things on your bucket list.

College is the prime time to travel abroad rather it be for a semester, summer, or interim. Travel far and travel long as often as you can during this time because when else will you be able to temporary live somewhere else without abandoning responsibilities like a family or "big girl" job?

9. True love is hard to come across, not everyone meets their spouse in college.

If you're in a great long-term relationship than congratulations to you. If you're not, then don't settle for that Mr. Right Now rather than Mr. Right because you feel rushed. There is plenty of time to meet people after college, plus they will probably be out of the "frat boy" stage and have their priorities established by then.

10. Your mom was always and is still always right.

Need I say anymore? They are older, wiser, and have already been in your shoes. Time hasn't changed that much, so hear her out.

11. Being a gym member or eating foods that say "skinny" in the name will not make you skinny.

So the freshman 15 hit you like a brick wall, it's okay. Our bodies change when we grow older and its part of life, instead of holding a gym membership key chain on your key ring, actually devote yourself to consistently going to a gym. Releasing endorphins and tangible results will help you feel better about yourself.

12. Its the little things that make you happy.

Chances are you are always busy, the things that make you happier will expand. For me, a drink from Starbucks, dinner at a nice restaurant, or getting my nails done can really enhance my mood. Take the time to reward yourself after a productive day.

13. You won't and can't please everyone.

Don't try to please your teachers, friends, family, boss, and everyone else all at once. Instead of being a people pleaser, please yourself first. Like I said before, focus on being the best you rather than worrying about what other people think. You will surprise yourself how much better you feel when you let go of the negative energy.

14. Comfort is key.

In high school I would wake up super early to curl my hair and pick out my best outfit. Don't ask me why because I couldn't tell you. In college my uniform has turned into nike shorts and a t-shirt because I have too many other things to focus my attention on, the main being academics. Being comfortable just feels good!

15. Realizing that things are just "things."

I struggle with this everyday, but have begun to really contemplate things before splurging on a new dress. These are material things and though tangible, they will go out of style or only be worn once because you can't be photographed in it twice. Instead splurge and spend your money on trips and experiences. Clothes will go in and out of style, but your memories will last forever.

16. Being unique is cool.

In middle school and high school I wanted everything that everyone else had. If my friends were buying Uggs, you best bet I had a pair of Uggs. Now I find it fun to go out of the box a little, try new things, find a new jewelry or clothing line that not a lot of people wear. I find it's much more fun and interesting to be a trendsetter than a trend-follower (if thats a word). Branch out, you may inspire people.

17. Natural beauty is much more attractive.

I find myself wearing makeup less and less and accepting my natural beauty and skin for what it is. It may go along with learning to love yourself, but abandoning the makeup during the summer may really help your self-esteem and self-acceptance.

18. You won't always get what you want, but don't settle for less than you deserve.

I was and still am an extremely spoiled child. Growing older, you learn that you may not always get exactly what you want out of life, it can be cruel and not as generous as your parents. Don't settle for anything less than you deserve rather it be friends, a job, or boys. Know your self worth and personal standards. Better things are around the corner, wait it out.

19. Being pretty won't get you very far.

Being a pretty face in the crowd doesn't mean much to a future employer, focus on school and build character! These qualities are what really matters in the real world. There's a saying that "pretty people have it better" well if you're applying for a job your looks will not beat out the college student who graduated with a 4.0. Establish depth in yourself and focus your time on what is important in the real world. Instead of just being "pretty" be a triple threat, pretty, intelligent, and intriguing.

20. Life gets even better.

They will tell you over and over again that college is the best four years of your life, well I hope not! I hope to someday have a job where I can make an impact on people, and a family to come home to. If you think about life like you think about wine, it only gets better with age. Be daring, be bold, and do what makes you happy.

(All images from pinterest.com.)