As I reach 19 years of life, I can't help but think back to all that I've learned in the past 18 years. As young as I may seem to others, I've learned so much and come to many realizations through the past few years.

1. Family is everything.

People will come in and out of your life. Many friends, classmates, teachers, coworkers, managers, and especially lovers. But most of the time the only people who will always remain and support you behind closed doors is your immediate family.

2. Be kind to each and every human being.

There’s too much hate in this world to be mean and disrespectful, being kind goes a long way in a messed up world like our own.

3. Don't trust a damn soul.

The older you get, the more you will realize this. The only person you can trust and count on 100% of the time is yourself.

4. Accept people for who they are regardless of their differences.

Between racism, sexism, sexuality, and classicism we are constantly judging and being cruel to others for no good reason. Accepting someone for who they are is so simple yet so kind.

5. No matter what you do, make sure you're doing it for you.

Pick the school, sport, occupation, significant other, etc. that you want. Letting others persuade your decisions will only make you miserable.

6. Take advantage of your youth, being young will only last you so long.

Take a look around at your elders, aging clearly sucks. Enjoy it while you have the chance.

7. Call your grandparents and remind them that you love them.

As years fly by for us and we get older, unfortunately so are they. If you’re lucky enough to have grandparents, calling them will probably make their whole week.

8. Spending a few hundred dollars on a vacation is worth it.

Your parents will probably disagree with this. But do it anyways. Odds are it will be one of your best memories in life.

9.Getting bad grades or acting like you're too good for school is not a good look.

Get up and go to class, most importantly study as hard as you can. Many of us are so lucky to get an education, unlike other kids our age in different countries.

10. Give as much as you can and expect nothing in return.

11. If you're the only one putting effort into a friendship or a relationship, say goodbye.

Life is a two way street. Putting all you have into a friendship or relationship and the other person doesn't try is not fair. We all deserve people who want us and try to keep us in their lives.

12. People will judge you no matter what for the rest of your life, stop caring or worrying about them. Odds are most of them are irrelevant anyways.

Post as many damn selfies as you want to or where your favorite outfit that may seem unstylish to others. “You can be the ripest, juiciest peach in the world, and there's still going to be somebody who hates peaches.” ― Dita Von Teese

13. Save your money wisely.

Store it in an envelope or a savings account, you’ll be thankful you did in the future.

14. It's okay to not be okay.

15. Help others when they are not as fortunate as you are.

Donate clothes, volunteer in the soup kitchen, or buy lunch for the homeless man you drive pass every single day. We don't realize how good we have it compared to others.

16. You will not like everyone and you will not get along with everyone (unless you're truly rare) but there's no reason to be evil or nasty to others.

“Talking shit” becomes very childish. If you don't like someone, mind your business and ignore them. Talking poorly about them does no good to anyone.

17. 99% of the time your mom or dad (or both) just want what's best for you, stop forgetting that.

Giving them attitude or not being appreciative is wrong. The more you grow up, the more you realize how much those two really mean to you.

18. Lastly, the most important lesson I've learned in the past 18 years is to always do what's best for you and put yourself first every once in awhile.