On March 24, 2016, I said goodbye to being 18 years old, and I said hello to being 19. As I reflected on the past year of my life, I realized that so many big things happened in the past 366 (hey there Leap Year) days, and I have learned so much. So, for my about to be 18-year-olds, I pass the torch onto you, and I have 18 lessons I learned at this most important age:
1. Sometimes you'll keep your friends you had, and sometimes you'll lose them. Either way, it's okay.
Ily to the friends I made this year, the friends I still had this year and the friends I'm no longer friends with this year.
2. Speak up for yourself and for people who can't speak up for themselves.
Stop letting people walk all over you. When I finally stopped trying to please everyone, life got a whole lot easier.
3. Don't worry so much about college.
You will end up where you are supposed to be in terms of the college you chose, the sorority you preffed and the friends you make.
4. Learn how to budget.
Whether that be time or money, this is seriously one of the most valuable lessons. Sometimes you need to stay in on Saturday night and write that paper due next week or not go out on Thursday night because you need to savor the $50 you have in your bank account. This is something I'm still working on.
5. Don't let your mistakes define you.
Because they don't. You're not a bad person for doing something wrong every once in a while. Don't let the achy guilty feeling get the best of you because it will all work out.
6. Be yourself.
I cannot stress this concept enough. People are going to like you for the person you are.
7. You are in charge of your own happiness.
We all know that sometimes life really just sucks. Bad things happen to good people. It's what we do with the bad things in life that define us as a person.
8. Embrace nostalgia.
You will start missing the simple and easy days of childhood and will stop wishing the days of high school away; however, the TV shows, movies, and songs that were your favorite when you were a kid will always hit the spot.
9. Don't let negativity control your life.
Some people are mean in this world and they love to pull you down in the never ending cycle of negativity. Shake off their cynicism and surround yourself with people who add to your sunshine. And haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.
10. Remember your parents.
They are your biggest supporters, and they want to hear how much fun you're having in college because they're paying for that. Their advice is priceless, and they seriously just want what's best for you. Call them from time to time, and also, remember your grandparents. Your family loves you.
11. Work hard.
You know that feeling you have after a hard workout or getting an A on a test that you studied the entire weekend for? The best things in life are earned. Savor your accomplishments.
12. Pick your friends wisely.
When you associate yourself with somebody, everything they do is a reflection of you. Choose to spend your time with people who make you a better version of yourself.
13. Take a genuine interest in people.
Don't passively listen to what people have to say, and don't constantly think about how something someone else does will affect you. Ask about somebody's family and offer help to someone who may need it because they'll remember that.
14. Develop your own opinions.
Learn to think for yourself fully. Formulate your own ideas about politics, likes and dislikes.
15. Accept change.
Change is inevitable. It's a part of this grand ole thing we call "the Circle of Life" (cue the Lion King song). You're about to go through an insane amount of it. Things happen for a reason, so you need to embrace it.
16. Unplug and detox.
Take some time and turn off your phone, computer, and TV. Spend some time with yourself or with your friends. The addiction most of us have was practically inexistent 10 years ago.
17. Smile.
A smile is a gift we were given as babies. It is a very powerful and contagious infection that we can all benefit from now and then. Smile big and smile often. Live to love and laugh.
And finally and most importantly...
18. Be afraid of not living.
Don't be afraid of failure; you should be afraid of not embracing every opportunity that has been given to you. Live your life and create memories that will last you a lifetime. Face your fears. Life is too short and too wonderful.
