As much as we want to believe that our parents and friends are the key sources of life lessons and advice, the truth of the matter is that we often don't give ourselves enough credit for the situations we observe and the conclusions we reach. Consider this while reading this article and know that you aren't wrong or impeded for not realizing your own wisdom. For an article on a topic like this, it's best not to research and leave the audience to question what you said and then research on their own... and that's what I intend to do

1. You can't truly be completely prepared for anything.

We're taught from a young age to try our best. And, throughout our lives as we meet new people we garner our own opinions about what our best should 'look' like. We often don't consider that people are struggling or that they may be insecure. You can prepare for a college experience, a job interview and even a marriage to the best of your ability, but you can't possibly prepare for what happens after. In some instances, you can pick up the pieces and try again, but not all the time. So don't stress and just let things happen.

2. The First Heartbreak Always Sucks

Young love isn't dumb love, but at the same time don't ever think that your first serious relationship will last. Keep an open mind. Men have to listen just as much as women do and that's what teenagers and young adults don't understand. I don't really understand this as well as it may seem I do, but from the personnel experience and the experiences of some friends I can comfortably report that the first heartbreak is the worst,

3. Expand Your Horizons.

Do I really need to explain this one? You hear it all the time and you think "yeah, whatever" or " I don't want to right now" but just try something new every day. Or, if not new, approach something differently every day and gradually work your way up.

4. Don't make my first time (at anything) the last chance I give myself.

We've all been through a situation where we either don't want to try something because it seems dangerous but isn't or because you can't get into whatever the activity/endeavor is the first time around. Make two attempts at everything before you consider it pointless to you.

5. Don't feel bad if you didn't get asked to prom?/ Don't feel bad for not wanting to go.

Trust me... You aren't missing much.

6. Trust Yourself, but don't shut people off.

This is also pretty straight forward and doesn't seem that difficult. But it's one of those things that you hear a lot and is way easier said than done.

7. Don't commit the Freshman Fallout in your first year.

Finally, you have all this freedom. But you also have responsibility. And, if you are like I was, then I need to inform you that you don't need to be as social as you think. One to two friends are all really need starting out. Also, don't take 18 credits like I did, take no more than 15.

8. Keep a balanced head.

Just because the world around you is consistently changing doesn't mean you need to constantly change. Just be yourself, that's getting harder and harder as the years go on- just remember you're still an individual (even within your friend group).