As my 20th birthday approaches and my teenage years fall behind me, I can't help but wonder what the big 2-0 really means to me. Everyone seems to view 20 as an "in between" year, but I think it is more than that. Sure, it's not your 18th birthday and certainly not your 21st, but it's a bold year to me. My 20th birthday embarks my third decade of life. My twenties will be the time where everything happens. I have absolutely no idea what lies ahead of me, but this is my time to figure it out and live it.

Up until now, I have gone through trials that have tested my character. Each test taught me something new about myself. My teenage years were a time for me to make mistakes and handle my consequences. They were a time for me to learn lessons that I will utilize for the rest of my life. They were a time for immature relationships and a few destructive decisions along the way. My teenage years were a time for me to learn who I really am. I know that I am not done learning yet, and I hope I never will be. I do, however, know that I am filled with ambition to seek my full potential. I think now is the time to do it.

My twenties are going to be a time of numerous opportunities. During this time I will graduate, travel to new places, move, work in new environments, experience true independence, and possibly even start my own family. It is a time to write new thoughts, strengthen friendships, attend more concerts, work really hard, listen to new songs, make my best memories, spend time with the people I care about most, not know what the heck I am doing sometimes, and experience adulthood while still tasting freedom. I will be walking down the aisle in countless colorful bridesmaid dresses and possibly a white one as well. I will watch my dearest friends fall in love with extraordinary people, buy their first houses, accomplish their dreams, and have kids of their own.

I am excited to start this new season in my life. Additionally, doesn't "twenty" just sound glamorous? I will finally be an age that is not followed by "-teen". 20 is two years away from singing 22 by Taylor Swift and meaning it. 20 is one year away from fruity mixed drinks, popping champagne, and buying my own bottles of wine. Although there are no serious milestones that are attached to turning 20, it is the start of something terrific. Everyone says that your twenties are the best years of your life. And if everyone says it, it must be true. So, here's to me and my new adventures! Here's to a decade of seeking, being spontaneous, buckling down, living loud, having courage, and finding out what life has to offer me. Here's to endless opportunities, genuine friendships, true love, and a heaping amount of firsts. Here's to 20!