My twenty-second birthday is quickly approaching; on Thursday, I will officially kiss my years of nonsensical activities and stupidity good-bye. The next thing I have to look forward to is drawing Social Security. In the midst of lamenting my age and the unavoidable prospect of gray hair (the salt and pepper look is just something I can't pull off), I pondered lessons that I have learned in my twenty-two years on this earth. Here are twenty-two pieces of wisdom I have gained over the years and one to (hopefully) grow on.

1. College students, not kids, do the darndest things.

2. A bowl cut was an all too common trend in the 1990's, yet it is altogether unattractive.

3. You were not made to look like you did at eighteen forever.

4. You lose a lot of your athletic ability as you age. Hopefully, what we lose in athletic ability, we gain in wisdom.

5. There is very little difference between flying and free falling; the majority of us have no clue what the heck we are doing. Some are just better at hiding it.

6. You are or will soon turn into your friends; make sure that is a good thing.

7. Yes, we have all heard the argument that “guys are less drama,” but friendships with other women are some of the most valuable you will form.

8. You can tell a lot about a boy by how he treats his mother.

9. Your parents are not perfect, but they are the ones who will be there when everyone else has walked out

10. No matter the circumstance, never give up on your family.

11. Invest in experiences rather than possessions. Cool stories are more interesting than cute shoes.

12. Generously give grace to others and realize that, at the end of the day, everyone really is just trying to do the best they can.

13. If he isn’t someone you would want your daughter to date, chances are you shouldn’t be dating him either.

14. No dream is too crazy, too off the wall, too far-fetched for you to achieve. If you doubt this, just look at the Republican presidential candidate.

15. Grow where you are planted. We don’t always end up where we thought we would, but the most successful are those who adapt to their circumstances.

16. Find your passion, and fight tooth and nail for it. Be it writing, medicine, teaching, what have you, do whatever you must to make your passion come to fruition.

17. Allow no one to belittle your passion.

18. I have fried chicken, been a cashier, worked as a bank teller, organized files, and worked in retail. You name it, I’ve done it. My point? You will have to work some menial jobs before you obtain your dream job. Appreciate the lessons they teach you, particularly the lesson in humility.

19. Do something with your life that will constantly thrill you, frighten you, and force you to stay entirely on your knees before God.

20. It is important to move away from your comfort zone, but don't ever stop appreciating that sleepy little town you call home.

21. God sent grandparents with the special purpose of spreading love and wisdom. Appreciate them, and learn from them.

22. You know how great Facebook makes you feel on your birthday? Be someone who makes others feel like that every day.

23. God is bigger than your fears, doubts, questions, dreams, hopes, plans, and problems. Cling to the fact that, while people may change, but God does not.