With my 20th birthday coming up next month, I began to look back on the past 19 years and reflected on what all I have learned. You gain so many experiences in your first 20 years of life, so here is a compilation of the top 20 things I have learned before turning 20.

1. Branch out and try new things outside of your comfort zone.

2. You'll regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did.

3. Some friends last forever and others don't, that's OK.

4. It's better to do something right the first time than having to go back and fix it later.

5. Everyone is put into your life for a reason.

6. Don't worry about what others think of you.

7. Do what makes you happy.

8. Stand up for yourself and don't let people walk all over you.

9. Say hi and smile to people you pass, you never know what kind of day they are having and you can help make it a tiny bit better.

10. When you think something nice of someone, tell them.

Again, you don't know what someone is going through and your compliment can make their day.

11. Don't put your time and effort into people that wouldn't do the same for you.

12. Always be yourself...don't change who you are for anyone else.

13. Save, save, save! Money doesn't grow on trees.

14. Spend time with your family because when you move away you'll really miss them.

15. Don't wish the days away because one day you'll end up missing them.

16. Find the silver lining in every situation/obstacle.

17. Work hard at what you do because nothing in life is free or handed to you.

18. Eat the chocolate cake.

19. Study hard.

School isn't free, it's a privilege that shouldn't be taken for granted.

20. Don't burn bridges.

You never know who could end up back in your life, so be kind.