A little over two months ago, I was pushed out of teenage-hood and forced into my dreaded 20's. As much as I wanted to ignore my looming September 8th birthday, it was impossible to escape the fact that it was coming, whether I wanted it to or not. I’m not a teenager anymore, and it’s taken me a few months to let that sink in. It sounds a little ridiculous, but I loved being a teen. Sure, it’s an emotional rollercoaster full of puberty and eye rolls, but being a teen made me feel young, as if I could do anything in the world and if I made a mistake, I could blame it on the fact that I was “only a teenager”. Now that time has forced me to move on to a whole new decade, I feel old. But, in the midst of all my teenage nostalgia, I’ve compiled a list of 19 things I learned throughout my teen years.

1. The world does not revolve around you. First world problems that we may be having are nothing compared to what others are going through in this world. Open up your eyes, look at the world around you, and not only be grateful for what you have but think about how you can make your privileges accessible to others.
2. Appreciate the little things, too. Whether it’s a meal cooked by a parent, a thank you card from a friend or a beautiful day outside, don’t forget to appreciate these things and embrace the happy feeling you felt in that moment.
3. Quality over quantity. This can go for many things but friends, especially. Sure, it’s nice to have a huge group of friends but the best memories I have are with one or two close friends who make me happy all the time.
4. Education is a priority, treat it as such. We all can get wrapped up in friends, relationships, drama, activities, etc. at school. And we all seem to forget that we are there for an education. College is so different than high school because you are paying to be there, don’t skip class because “you don’t feel like going” or “forget” to do homework because you’re too busy Netflix-ing, study hard and do well in school.
5. Being independent can be lonely, but also quite beautiful. It allows you to grow as a person, do the activities you like to do and spend time with yourself. Independence doesn’t mean isolate yourself, but always make sure to have some “me” time every once and awhile.
6. Your first love is exactly that, a first. Learn from the mistakes made in that relationship, qualities you do and definitely don’t want in a partner, and don’t get strung up in it. It’s your first love, that doesn’t mean your last.
7. People come and go, and that’s not always a bad thing. Sometimes you don’t have room for people in your life anymore, maybe you outgrow the friendship or morals change. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to let go if that’s what’s best for you.
8. Moving away from home is hard. But it might be for the best, which is something to always keep in mind. It will help you grow, become independent and you will become a much stronger person.
9. Starting over in college is hard, too. A lot of us go out of state for college or are hours away from home. This is a new environment with completely new people and it’s hard starting over, especially while making new friends. Although it might be lonely and suck at first, the result can be amazing if you really try to put yourself out there.
10. Be yourself. This goes hand in hand with number 9. Be yourself, and the friendships you make from that will be true and everlasting because the people you surround yourself with will love you for you.
11. It’s normal to feel lost. Most of the time, people have no idea what they’re doing with their lives. Whether it’s choosing a major, a job, where to live, etc., it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed and lost at the right thing to do. No one can predict the future, so just go along with the journey laid out for you. Whatever you choose will work out in the end.
12. Never be afraid to ask for help. It won’t shatter your ego or people’s perceptions of you. Everyone needs help or advice so many times in their life, don’t be afraid to utilize your resources.
13. People are nicer than you think. Sometimes we tend to judge people without really knowing them, take the opportunity to get to know someone rather than what people tell you about a certain person. You may be surprised how distorted other people’s perceptions are of other people.
14. You don’t always need something in return. Do favors for people without expecting them to give you something in return. It doesn’t hurt to be genuinely nice every once and awhile.
15. Your life isn’t as messy as it seems. Again, it’s normal to feel lost and a mess. But take a step back and view whatever mess you’re in, in a broad scope. It might be a little smaller than it seems in that moment.
16. Staying in can be just as fun as a night out. Sure, going out can be fun, but staying in with friends or yourself can be a classic, memorable night. Play cards, draw, drink wine, hang with friends in pajamas, and just chill out.
17. Good things come to those who work and wait. Work hard at everything you do. Not only will the people around you start to notice, but the outcome will be so meaningful because of all the time and effort you put into whatever you were doing.
18. Travel. It opens your eyes to so many new places, people, cultures and perspectives. The memories and lessons you learn while traveling will stick with you forever and perhaps shape you as a person.
19. Happiness is a feeling, not a destination. This may be the most important lesson out of all of these. Happiness is only a feeling, along with feeling mad, sad, excited, etc. Happiness comes and goes, just like all those other emotions you feel. So embrace the moments you feel happy; it will make you appreciate life a lot more.