So it is that time of year again. No not pumpkin spice lattes, my birthday. It is coming up on Friday and I am finally turning 21; if you could not tell from the title of this article. I am excited yet dreading the aging process. Yeah now I can legally drink alcohol, but now I have more responsibilities. Over the years I have learned a lot and so in honor of my 21st birthday here are 21 lessons I have learned:

1. Friends come and go.

2. You will fail at least once in your life in something.

3. True friends are there for you in thick and thin.

4. Family is everything, always relay on them.

5. You can pick yourself up again after every tough situation.

6. Your mom may annoy you, but in the end she knows best.

7. Do not speak bad about others, they will always find out and you never know what is going on in their lives.

8. Do not fall under peer pressure for anything.

9. Be your own leader.

10. If you follow someone, make sure they are a good role model that will help you.

11. It is not important to be popular.

12. Other people’s opinion about yourself do not matter.

13. Take friendly criticism to heart.

14. Learn from your mistakes.

15. Rise above the hate.

16. Enjoy the little things.

17. It is okay to be basic, as long as you recognize it.

18. Dance like nobody is watching, unless a cute guy is watching, then always dance ten times better.

19. Boys are stupid, you will learn to deal with them, especially if they have to learn to deal with you.

20. Do not ever stop being you in all your glory.

21. Dress how you want, even if you’ll regret it in ten years.

And just for extra wisdom here is one more lesson:

22. Your dog will always be there for you, as long as you feed him/her.