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5 Things I Learned In My First 21 Years

A lot happens in two decades and a year, here's what I've come to realize.

Michelle Behr

Oct 31, 2016

Poughkeepsie, New York

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I just recently turned 21. The big two one. Looking back on my 21 years of existence, I have learned quite a lot. A lot about life, people, myself, friendship, and love. Here are five things that I have come to realize.

1. Some people come into your life just as quickly as they will leave and you have to be okay with that.

Some stay for a month, some stay for a year, and a select few stay forever. It may hurt at the time, if someone in your life slowly dissipates, but you have to remember that everything happens for a reason. Life goes on. Every person that I have met has taught me something; something about myself, something about life. Some of its been good and some of its been bad but in the long run it has made me a stronger person.

2. You do not need someone with you to try new things.

In high school I found myself not trying a new club or sport unless one of my friends decided to try it with me or was already a part of it. I realize now as a junior in college that I missed out on so much because I was afraid to be alone while being outside of my comfort zone. I am so glad I got past this fear. I have met so many amazing people and become a member of so many groups in college because I tried new things by myself.

3. Go the extra mile.

This one goes out to my mom. She has taught me from a very young age to always send thank you notes and to be forever grateful for what people do for you. She has also taught me to go above and beyond what is expected. Has your friend been having a rough week? Pick her up, treat her to a Pumpkin Spice Latte; kindness is contagious.

4. Nobody is perfect (I know it is cliche but it is true.)

I have learned that most of the time nothing is going to turn out exactly the way you planned it in your head. People cannot read minds. I have come to be more of a "go with the flow" type of person because to expect things and then be constantly let down is draining and stressful.

5. STOP dwelling on everything. If something is/was out of your control STOP letting it consume your thoughts.

I am a big culprit of over thinking, over analyzing, and being indecisive. I have gotten better, but like with everything, learning to overcome these flaws is still an ongoing process. I know that once I fully master this I will be a lot less stressed.

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5 Things I Learned In My First 21 Years

A lot happens in two decades and a year, here's what I've come to realize.

1. Some people come into your life just as quickly as they will leave and you have to be okay with that.

2. You do not need someone with you to try new things.

3. Go the extra mile.

4. Nobody is perfect (I know it is cliche but it is true.)

5. STOP dwelling on everything. If something is/was out of your control STOP letting it consume your thoughts.

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All names should be "unisex names."

1. Communicating via email can be awkward.

2. Appointments usually accompany weird looks.

3. Introducing yourself to someone is never without a hitch.

4. You’ve probably thought about changing your name.

5. You’re often asked why you have the name you do.

6. You get excited when you meet someone of your gender with your name.

7. You feel awkward when you meet someone of the opposite gender with your name.

8. You’ve had someone say to you, “I knew a [your name], but they were [your opposite gender].”

9. You’ve heard a bad joke/pick-up line or two about your name before.

10. People are surprised when they see you.

11. You’re extra sensitive to other unique or unisex names.

12. You’ve fought with your parents about it.

13. All things considered, you’re happy your name makes you unique.

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

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2. Oh my goodness your skin is like glow-in-the-dark.

3. Can't you just get fake tan?

4. Do you tan or just burn?

5. Your kids are going to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost!

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7. *holds pale arm against another pale arm* Aw, at least you're darker than her!

8. I laid out by the pool almost every day over break!

9. I haven't used sunscreen since I was, like, five.

10. *adjusts selfie lighting to their face* Oops, where'd you go??

11. *after working out* Your face is SO red!

12. *wears white* Look! You're all one color!

13. You need to get some sun.

14. Aren't you excited for summer?

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1. Child prodigies:

2. Hearing other musicians in the practice room next door and accepting that you will never be as talented as them:

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4. Taking a million 0 credit classes:

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11. When people think finals week is a breeze for you.

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Because you need it in your life.

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6. holds arm against your arm Look how much darker I am compared to you!

7. holds pale arm against another pale arm Aw, at least you're darker than her!

10. adjusts selfie lighting to their face Oops, where'd you go??

11. after working out Your face is SO red!

12. wears white Look! You're all one color!