"Wisdom comes with age," is a phrase I have been hearing my entire life. But is that statement really true? Each individual on this planet is unique in their own special way. Our lives are completely different from one another, so we have each gone through our own special kind of experiences that have shaped us into who we are. I have definitely learned lots of lessons throughout my life. So, throughout this article, I hope to share with you a few things I have learned.

1. Love diversity

I am forever grateful my parents have always raised me to believe that nothing is ever as it seems, and there are always different answers to the same questions. My parents also instilled with me that the word "different" is not a synonym for bad. In high school, my German teacher also taught me the phrase "Anders is gut," which translates to: "different is good." Diversity is truly one of the most beautiful commodities of the human existence. Seize the opportunity to try something that contrasts with what you are used to, as it will be a rewarding and learning experience. This is what it means to be open-minded. What I have truly loved about moving from a small town to a small city, is the amount of diverse people there are here. People from all over the world with different cultures than my own. It's truly fantastic. Embrace the diversity from the world around yourself and let the diversity of the world embrace you.

2. Travel, travel, travel.

Traveling is one of the best ways to really experience diversity. Through traveling, you learn so much more about the history of the world around you. I want to see the world. And why not? The Earth is such a huge place, it seems ridiculous to want to stay confined inside the borders of one country for the rest of my life. Life is a journey, not a standstill. From being abroad one day, I hope and dream to experience the full meaning of humanity by embracing the differences of variant cultures. I want to truly discover my own identity by meeting an assortment of diverse identities. Soul-searching at its finest. Also, people who are well-traveled tend to be much more open-minded about people who differ from themselves. I plan on studying abroad (maybe multiple times) while getting my undergrad. I do not want to wait any longer. Life is not about waiting, life is about doing. And if you are not doing, are you even living?

3. R-E-A-D

During my first semester of college, I realized that I aspired to one day become a professor of English Literature at a university. Literature is one of the oldest art forms and a treasure that should never be forgotten. Some might think it is silly that I want to get a degree in English, but I do not. As long as I can remember, I have always found a certain comfort in reading, and I believe reading has truly inspired me to want to travel as much as I do. From reading novels by Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller, and James Michener, I was entranced by their portrayals of cities around the world, and the fantastic adventures they had in those cities. One of the most important pieces of advice I can give to someone is to always read. From reading every day, you expand your vocabulary, improve your own focus and concentration, and gain knowledge of whatever you choose to read about. As humans, we learn every single day, and reading only strengthens that. So, read something that challenges your beliefs, read your favorite childhood novel again, or even read a magazine, just continue to read. Whether it be classic British literature, "Harry Potter," or a dangerous spy thriller, read something that makes you happy.

4. Just because you are related to someone does not make them your family.

"You don't get to pick your family," is something I'm sure so many people have heard during their lives. This statement, however, is wrong. Sure, you may have the same DNA as someone, but if they don't make an effort to be in your life, or don't support you for who you are, does this really make them family? No. A family is a group of people that love you and support you with whatever you're doing. In my time at college, I have learned you really do get to pick your family with the new friends you make. These are the people you talk to all the time, you eat with them, you go out with them, you spend the night with them, you learn all about each other. That is family. They love you for who you are and want to be in your life. I am thankful the amount of endless love my parents and most of my relatives have given me, and I love them, too. But some people aren't as lucky. If someone you're related to doesn't want to be in your life, don't sweat it. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life, anyways.

These are only a few of the lessons I have learned throughout my life, but they have truly shaped me into who I am and helped me figure out what I want to do. In short, I hope to spend the rest of my life living, loving, laughing, and learning. I want to travel, read, write, and teach. I am also a firm believer that money does not buy happiness, as happiness is something priceless. I wish to accomplish a lot, but a wish is nothing without action. If I’m going to accomplish my dreams, I know I’m going to have to work hard, but, hard work is only a small price for the reward I will be getting. When I grow up, I want to be a good human. By radiating goodness into the world, the world radiates goodness into you. The upmost important thing I’ve learned is to always have a positive outlook on life. Be kind, compassionate and generous. Embrace the diversity around you and love always.