A little over a month ago, I turned the big 1-9. It's weird to say that I'm 19 years old, it feels like just yesterday I was having my thirteenth birthday party. As always, I don't feel any different than did when I was eighteen. However, I do realize change is inevitable and it's something that I need to embrace. Here are some hopes and changes that I would like my 19-year-old self will embrace.

1. Self care is important.

This past year has probably been my most stressful year and I know that the years to come are likely to be even more so. I have realized self-care or the lack thereof impacts how I feel every day. It's important to take a day or a few hours to yourself and just take care of yourself. It could be a Netflix & chill session, doing your nails, just taking a nap, meditation, or simply setting goals for yourself.

2. Don't be afraid to say no.

I don't you know about you but it's often hard for me to say no to people. I'm not sure if it's the first-child syndrome in me, but I will bend two-ways-sideways to make everyone happy. I hope that this year I can start to say no to others, so I can say yes to myself.

3. Take deep breathes before confronting situations.

After various introspective sessions with myself (yes, that is a real thing) I have realized I bring a lot of emotion into certain conversations. I understand that it's normal and it's human nature, however as I look back on it I realize that certain conversations and conversations would have gone a lot better if I had just taken a breath.

4. Cherish the present.

Ever since I was was younger I have always been focused on the next step. I began making plans for graduate school before I even graduated from high school. I don't know how many times I have said: "I just want to get into the work force."

One person told me that I should cherish being in college, that it would be the only time I get to take the time to just learn. I thought about it and I realized that there a lot things that I should cherish that I may not be able to in the not-so-distant future.

5. Manage your time.

There has been too much stress that originated from not managing my time. There are so many situations that could have been avoided if I had just been better with my time. To channel my mom, you should be proactive not reactive. I hope that I can manage my time to reap the benefits in other parts of my life.

6. A quick response is better than no response.

I have a confession to make: I don't respond to emails or messages at a good rate. If at all. It's not something that I am proud of. It's something that always eats away at me. That's why I want future me to do better with responding even if it's a quick one.

7. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.

I have been told am sassy and I suppose that its true. I used to be so quiet and let people walk all over me. However, I think my sassiness has given me the super power of standing up for myself and I'm hoping that this will continue during my 19th year.

8. Networking will save your life.*

*Don't just talk to people because you want something

Networking can help you in so many ways. If it's not helping you get a job, it can help you find a mentor, or just meet some amazing people. I hope that I can come out of my shell a little more so I can benefit from it. That being said, networking isn't the only way to success and it's certainly not a guarantee. The saying: "It's not always what you know it's who you know" is not always true. I've received some great advice to counter that statement, and its true, "just because they helped you get there doesn't mean they can keep you there."

9. Don't let other people define you.

Something that I have noticed (especially in the last year) is that I let other people's successes and lives define how I live my life. It's something that leads to disappointment and toxicity. If there is anything I hope to gain in this next year, it's that I am the only who can define my life. I shouldn't let what others are doing dictate what I should and shouldn't do.

10. Slay.

"Okay ladies, now let's get in formation."

Confession: I may or may not have listened to that song every morning since it came out. I feel it now that year 19 will be the Year of Slaying. I hope that I slay in everything whether be school, life, or Netflix bingeing.