Oh, sixteen.

Sixteen is the coveted "right of passage" age in most every teen movie. Sixteen is when you're allotted many more freedoms than you've been accustomed to, and you find yourself growing as a more independent person, whether you like it or not. Sixteen is when you're (finally) not an underclassman in high school, and there are suddenly kids around you who are younger than you (and it's very weird).

Sixteen is when you realize that there are only two years left until you're 18, and then you're an adult.

Sixteen is a fun age full of new experiences and growth. As I've recently turned 17 and am one year closer to legal adulthood, I've taken the time to reflect on all of the life lessons I've gained from my sixteenth year of life.

So, here are 16 life lessons I learned at 16:

1. Cherish your childhood.

There is no time in your life that is like your childhood. Not only are you taken care of by your parents, but you're given virtual free range to explore and find things that interest you. Take advantage of this time of new experiences, and don't be so willing to grow up and want to assume new responsibilities.

2. Work hard so that your future self will be thankful.

When I entered high school, I knew I wanted to try and go to a good college. So, from the moment I stepped on my high school campus, I decided to take all of the hard classes and make the best grades possible. Now that I'm a rising high school senior, I'm grateful for my past three years of hard work, and my work has paid off as I now am a seemingly qualified candidate for those "good" colleges I wanted to go to as a freshman. Work now, play later.

Play now, work later. The former always turns out better.

3. Wear fun clothing.

Sure, it's acceptable to wear whatever's "in" right now, but don't be afraid to wear that unconventional piece of clothing just because it's out of the ordinary. By finding unique clothing to wear, not only do you make yourself stand out from the crowd (in a good way), but you also increase your creativity.

4. What other people think doesn't matter, but making a good impression does.

No, not everybody has to "like" you. However, you should try to get everybody you meet to respect you. How do you get people to respect you? You have to show people that you respect yourself. That way, whether people "like" you or not, they will admire your passion and your drive, something that will get you farther in life than just peer approval.

5. Don't be afraid of public speaking.

According to a 2014 article by the Washington Post, public speaking is one of America's top fears. I get it –– people don't want to say the wrong thing and be publicly humiliated. However, as I've noticed over the years after giving a plethora of school presentations, most people don't remember what it is that you said after a short period of time. They may remember whatever feeling your speech gave them, but come the next day, your speech is out of sight and out of mind.

Just go up and give your presentation with pride and confidence. Show your audience that you care about what you're speaking about, and your audience will most likely emulate that emotion. In the end, by improving your public speaking skills, you not only show professionalism, but you also gain a better sense of self-awareness.

6. Intelligence is beautiful.

Looks fade, but intelligence stays. Invest in broadening your mind, because looks can only get you so far.

7. Go after your dreams, no matter what anyone says.

Though this may be the most cliche lesson on this list, this lesson is the foundation for every other tidbit on this list.

People will try to bring you down because they were brought down by others in the past. Even worse, people will tell you that you can't do something because they've heard that something is "hard" and "very few people can do it." If everyone took that advice 100 percent seriously, those few people that achieve that ambition wouldn't even exist. Strive to be one of those few people who will work to make it, because if you don't try, who will?

8. Don't be a people-pleaser, but life is better lived without reason for grudges.

I make it almost a goal in my life to not dislike anyone or have anyone dislike me. Even if someone does dislike me, I don't choose to dislike him or her. Why? I don't want to carry on my shoulders the weight that drama and petty fights bring into my life. By avoiding bad relationships and grudges, I'm more free to grow the positive relationships in my life and mend the ones that are on the verge of breaking.

9. Invest in good music.

Music transports you to a whole other world. Music transforms a dull car ride to a party for one. Though that top 40 playlist is fun and catchy, take the time to explore new music that really gets you, really touches your soul. By doing so, you can find your whole day transformed and your outlook on life made new.

10. Leadership is hard, but it's worth it.

Don't just live life in the backseat, or even just in the passenger seat. Learn to take charge in the driver's seat. Yes, leadership is stressful and tedious at times, but you gain immense skill by learning to instruct others while also maintaining your personal goals.

11. Find a way to creatively express yourself.

After a hard day's work, binging on a Netflix series sounds fun and relaxing, and it is! However, don't let Netflix or just aimless scrolling through social media be your only outlet for stress. Whether it's drawing, playing an instrument, writing or whatever project suits you, find something that you can engage your mind with and pour your heart into. Not only do creative outlets allow you to create new goals, but you'll also find yourself learning more about yourself.

12. Stay in touch with meaningful friends.

If someone means something to you, whether you were best friends in elementary school or next-door neighbors, make sure to stay in contact with them, even if that just means saying hi once in awhile or wishing him or her a happy birthday (not just on Facebook). No, you don't need to be best friends with everyone, but having amicable, non-distant relationships with even the most seemingly distant friends keeps both you and your friend happy.

13. Don't assume the worst of things.

Going into a difficult situation, the mindset that you choose to take on is key to whether you will or will not come out all right. For instance, if you're in a new situation with new people, if you go in thinking, "Nobody here will want to be my friend," you're going to exempt yourself from being able to make new friends in the first place. If you go in with a positive mindset, however, you keep your doors open to new relationships, experiences, and growth.

14. Understand where other people are coming from.

Having empathy, not sympathy, will make you a better friend and person all around. Not only will learning to be empathetic allow you to work more thoroughly and carefully in other people's lives, but it will also make you less judgmental of what other people are going through.

15. Get out of your comfort zone.

You cannot grow unless you experience something new. Whether it's traveling, eating new food, listening to new music, taking a "different" class, meeting new people, or learning to be more independent, try something new out.

If you don't like whatever you tried, oh well! You've grown and now know something else that you don't like. You like what you tried? Great! Good experiences and bad experiences alike, try them all and never leave the path of growth.

16. Learn to be comfortable with yourself.

It's going to be hard to accomplish anything else on this list if you're not comfortable with yourself first. You're stuck with you, so might as well learn to love you now.

Oh sixteen, you were a good year. Let's see what seventeen brings!