19 Things I Learned In 19 Years | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

19 Things I Learned In 19 Years

Cheesy life lessons from a girl who thinks she has it all figured out.

6
19 Things I Learned In 19 Years
Gina Draudt

I have only spent 19 years on this Earth so far, but I have learned quite a bit along the way. Many of these things (not all of them) I learned just in my first year of college. It's truly amazing how such a major life change demanded me to grow immensely and learn so much about myself. No, I am not a word-crafting magician with groundbreaking, new ideas in these lessons, but they are authentic to who I am and how I feel at this exact point in my life. Beware now, there are plenty of clichés and cheesy lines. Although you might feel like you are reading an overpriced inspirational quote book from Hallmark with valuable wisdom to take into this next chapter of your life, you are not, I remind you now. You are reading the thoughts and lessons learned by a 19-year-old girl who is just trying to navigate early adulthood.

1. It's OK to admit you're not OK.

2. People change. Even you. It's just an inevitable part of growing up.

3. You can't please everyone. It seriously is impossible.

4. All you really need to do something you always wanted or to step out of your comfort zone is 20 seconds of insane courage. Those 20 seconds really can open up new possibilities.

5. You may not ever find your "passion." But searching your whole life will make you miserable. Just stick with people and activities that make you happy and make you feel alive.

6. Sometimes it's OK to cry.

7. Don't take life too seriously. It's fun learning to laugh at yourself because you do some pretty embarrassing things.

8. Chase your dreams (I know, so cheesy) and work hard, because yes, they might actually come true.

9. Be kind to others, they have stories much deeper than you could ever imagine.

10. ALWAYS be yourself. That is where your confidence lies.

11. Be in the moment, it's much more fulfilling than your celebrity crush's Snapchat story.

12. Take nothing for granted, despite how easy it is to do so.

13. Time really does go much faster than you'd think, especially when you're having fun.

14. Sometimes you need to put yourself first, no matter how difficult it may be as a perpetual people pleaser.

15. People are usually more concerned with themselves than about anything you're dealing with. So no, they probably can't tell you wore those leggings yesterday.

16. Anything worth doing is worth doing with all your effort.

17. What other people think of you does not define you, it won't matter in five years, or 10, so it doesn't matter now.

18. Your parents will always be your best friends, your biggest fans, your wisest teachers...cherish them.

19. You are more than likely the number one thing holding you back—your excuses, your fear, your inability to forgive.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

186527
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

12557
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456209
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25575
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments