For some reason the year 17 in my life sticks out so much. It felt like a year I learned about myself more than ever, and it was such a changing year. Lyrics from the song "Seventeen" by Alessia Cara make so much sense now, "I was too young to understand what it means, I couldn't wait 'til I could be 17, I thought he lied when he said take my time to dream." When I hear those lyrics I understand now what she means, we all wanted to be 17 and now that it's over I realized the year came with lifelong lessons that I will never forget. So here is a few.

1. Things change, fast.

Friend groups, the pace of your life, it’s going to change, and sometimes it can be hard to accept but you just have to embrace it.

2. He will hurt you.

Even though he seemed to care about you more than anything he will hurt you and make you cry, and feel lost for a while, but remember you'll get over it and his choices have nothing to do with your worth.

3. Your mom is your best friend.

She is the one person in your life who cares and loves you more than anything, make sure to include her in your life, she wants to be in it. Mom knows best.

4. Take a deep breath.

Although after long weekends or school days seem to make you feel like the world is crashing down upon you, take a deep breath and remember you are not alone. Tomorrow will come, and this too shall pass.

5. You’re going to screw up.

All the time. Mistake after mistake. But this is what growing up is hence “growing”, you are still learning and it will help in the end.

6. Appreciate your true friends.

Remember to tell them how thankful you are to have them, sometimes we get lost in the chaos of our lives and people get left out, make sure they know.

7. This is the freest you will ever be.

17 is right before you legally become an adult and the world of responsibilities comes flooding in, embrace your age and take your time with it.

8. Be independent.

Take time for yourself, and do things on your own. Realize you can accomplish anything yourself.

9. Don’t obsess over things.

Whether its an ex or that person you just don’t like, don’t obsess over it, don’t think about it constantly and see what they are up to...it's not worth it.

10. Put your phone down.

Take in the best moments, whether its concert or a spontaneous night with your friends, you’d rather witness it in person than record it through a phone the whole time.

11. Stay focused.

Have fun but remember what your goals are, and keep yourself in check.

12. Don’t let people tell you who you are.

A lot of times you’re going to mess up and others are going to make you question who you are and your true intentions, don't let them do that, you know who you are and make that known.

13. Loving yourself is OK.

Confidence is something that can be struggled with for so long, but the second you really start to appreciate who you are, everything changes,. Love yourself, I promise it is OK.

14. High school is great, embrace it.

These four years are already going by so fast, so make sure to go out to those dances and sporting events they are SO worth it.

15. Jealousy is toxic.

Comparing yourself to others, or wallowing yourself in others success because you’re jealous is dangerous. Don’t do it, it’s only going to make you more bitter.

16. Try new things.

Make a new friend, join a sport, whatever it is, do it. It will help you appreciate the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone.

17. Stand for what you believe in.

Regardless of the status quo keep your beliefs sacred to your heart if it is important to you. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.