Yesterday, February 4^th, I turned 19 years old. As hard as it is to believe since I look 15, it’s true. Upon turning 19, I began reflecting on some of the things I’ve learned over the years, and believe me there was a lot. So, I decided to share 19 things I’ve learned in my 19 years here in this wonderful universe.

1. Do what makes you happy, not others.

I hate to admit it, but I’ve been a people pleaser for a majority of my life. As I’ve gotten older I began noticing that I would end up doing things I really had no interest in doing just to make other people happy. If you stick to doing what makes you happy, then you’ll be pleasing yourself and that’s the most important thing. If someone doesn’t like what you’re doing but you do, keep doing it!

2. You will drift apart from your high school friends, and that's okay.

There are a handful of people from my high school that I still talk to, but I have drifted apart from a majority of my high school friends. We all went our separate ways in college and have vastly different lives. I was first upset, but I realized it’s okay and it’s natural. Not everyone you meet in your life will be permanently in it.

3. Planners are the key to success.

I’ve always loved planners and stationary, but I didn’t heavily start using them until I got to high school. It helped me with time management tremendously. When I got to college, I had a great planner, but didn’t use it. I thought I could just use my phone calendar. Nope, doesn’t work like that. Invest in a great planner, you’ll thank yourself later.

4. Sleep is not for the weak.

I hate the saying “sleep is for the weak” because honestly, it’s not! If you’re exhausted, go to sleep! We all know in college you don’t get nearly enough of it, so take advantage of the times where you can get some quality sleep!

5. Popularity doesn't matter after high school.

I wanted so desperately to be “popular” when I was in high school, but it just wasn’t for me. I was never meant to be popular, and I’m glad. Now, no one in college cares if you were the most popular girl in your high school, college doesn’t work like that.

6. Don't judge a book by it's cover, and the same goes for people.

Judging people for how they look on the outside is normal, we all do it. But do not just assume someone is one way just because of their outward appearance. You have no idea the amount of people I thought would never be my friend because they seemed a certain way at first glance. Now some of them are my closest friends. Get to know someone before you judge them, you’ll be surprised what you learn.

7. Greek life is not what it's portrayed as in the movies.

This one I was pleasantly surprised by. I watched many movies where Greek life was portrayed to be superficial and caddy, but boy is that wrong. Greek life is about so much more than that, and I’m so glad I learned the error of my ways.

8. Friends come and go, but family is forever.

You will change friend groups and have friends come and go often in your life, but your family will always be there for you. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done or if the whole world hates you, they’ll constantly love you and support you.

9. Heartbreak is inevitable.

Everyone will experience heartbreak at some point in their life, it will just happen. Don’t let it consume you too much and learn from it. When it does happen, surround yourself with loved ones who will lift you up and make you feel better.

10. You are worth more than you could ever know.

You are worth so much, don’t let anyone diminish your worth or make you think differently. Ever.

11. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and not tear you down.

If someone is bringing you down all the time and making you feel like nothing, you have all the right in the world to drop them. You deserve to be surrounded by people who love and care for you and want the best for you, not those who diminish your worth.

12. Major in something you are passionate about.

I started off college majoring in what I call the “safe choice”, something I knew I could get a job in right after college and make money and be stable. I now major in something I love and am excited about. Do I know I’ll 100% have a job after college? No. Do I know my salary? No. Will I be okay? Yes.

13. No matter how bad things get, it always get better.

You may be at the lowest point in your life, but just know that life truly gets better. Things and situations are not permanent, you will come out of it and be happy again.

14. Dancing in the rain is a fun thing to do.

My stress reliever has always been dance, but for forever I never danced in the rain, thinking it was too dangerous. Now I embrace it and love it. Stressed? Dance in the rain. Happy? Dance in the rain. Lonely? Dance in the rain. It’s always a good option.

15. Being an introvert is okay.

For the longest time, I hated myself for being introverted. I always wanted to be someone who loved being around people and going out and doing things constantly. But, that’s not who I am and it’s okay. I’ve found people who love and accept me for that, and understand when I would rather stay in and watch Netflix than go out, but also make me go out and have fun when it’s needed.

16. Tell your crush you like him, don't wait on him.

Just because you’re a girl doesn’t mean you can’t make the first move. Have a crush who you think likes you back? Tell him! Ask him out, don’t be afraid of the outcome. You’ll feel better once you do, and it may lead to something great.

17. Don't listen to stereotypes

Sure, they’re there for a reason, but don’t listen to them all. Make your own opinion on it and decide for yourself if it’s true or not. You may be surprised with what happens.

18. Blasting throwback music on car rides is therapeutic.

Need to let off some steam or just take a drive? Put on your favorite throwbacks playlist and drive around. You’ll feel much better afterwards.

19. Love life and it will love you right back.

Embrace everything, try new things, and overall love life! You only get one, so enjoy it. You will be much happier.

With 19 years under my belt, I am so excited to see what opportunities and learning experiences come my way in the next 19 years.