Recently (like a month ago), I turned 20 years old. In the time that I have been alive, I have learned some valuable lessons, some more important than others. Here are 20 things that I have learned in the 20 years I have been alive.

1. Never dye your hair with bleach.

I wish someone had told me to not bleach my hair because it is still damaged from three years ago.

2. In high school, join whatever academic organization or club you can.

NHS or Student Council will be your best friend. Plus, you could get a pretty nice scholarship for being smart.

3. Take as many naps as you can during syllabus week.

My mistake freshman year of college was not taking advantage of the slow moving syllabus week. I could have taken naps every day, but instead, I was stressing about nothing.

4. Work out in college.

The rec is free (aka you're paying for it in tuition so go). Also, you don't have to only work out in college, obviously.

5. Eat that dessert.

Kind of funny to put this one after working out, but just remember to treat yourself to some treats every once in a while.

6. Don't follow what everyone else is doing.

Do your own thing, be your own person. It's lame to follow everyone else.

7. Crack your windows in the hot and humid weather.

They can literally shatter if it gets too hot too fast.

8. Learn to do stuff by yourself.

It's really nice to be able to make your own appointments and go shopping by yourself. Sure it's a little weird at first, but the more you do it, the easier it will be.

9. Help who you can.

If you have the resources to help someone in need, then help them. This is not only about money, you can help by being a shoulder to cry on, or helping a friend move.

10. If something/someone makes you uncomfortable, speak up.

If you don't speak up, no one will know that you are not comfortable in your situation. Your safety and well-being are way more important than someone's feelings being hurt by you speaking up.

11. Don't lie to your parents.

Your parents are there to make sure you are safe, so lying is just dumb. If you want to go to some party, talk to your parents reasonably. In some cases, this may not apply, but if you have understanding parents, then maybe talk it out.

12. Don't do drugs.

I know, how "uncool" of me to say this. Unless your doctor prescribed you something, don't do them; they have the potential to destroy your life.

13. If you like someone, tell them.

Playing the guessing game is just tiring.

14. Don't be embarrassed if you haven't done stuff society tells you to do at __ age.

There is no age where someone has to have sex or their first kiss at. It's your life, so stop letting random people tell you how to live it.

15. Get a job and earn your own money.

It's so nice to have your own money and to stop depending on your parents (not entirely though).

16. Cry all you want.

If you're really sad, cry. If you're mad, cry. If you watched that dog video, cry. Just get it all out.

17. Take care of your skin.

Invest in yourself. Buy moisturizer and serums and all that stuff, your skin will thank you.

18. Respect other people's opinions.

Some people will have different opinions on things than you, so respect them (unless they are Nazis). With all of the political stuff that has been going on this past year, I have learned that you cannot force someone to see something the same way you see it.

19. Don't take advantage of your family.

Love your family and cherish the time you have with them. Talk to that Aunt you hardly see or that distant cousin.

20. Love yourself.

Love the way you look, the way you talk, walk, everything. You only get one body, so love it and all of it's flaws.