I come from a big family. While I only live with my immediate relatives, we are scattered all over this city, country, and hemisphere. Since I was a little girl, I have loved the idea of family - where everyone comes together to support, love, and teach one another. These lessons were a large part of my childhood, and they have made me the person that I am today.

1) Do not ever give up.

Fighting for what you want may prove difficult at times, but it is important to keep going. My mother always told me, "are you settling or is this what you want?". I always think of that when I feel like giving up and it really gives me perspective on how this hardship relates to my end goals.

2) Relationships take time.

Relationships of all kinds can be difficult and will teach you things about yourself and those around you. But do not let this discourage you from making new ones in the future. Good relationships will grow with you and bad ones will make you grow.

3) Be accountable for your actions.

There will be times we must make important decisions that may change everything. Whether the decision turns out to create good or bad results, stick by that. Learn from it if you have to, but do not run away from your decisions.

4) Treat everyone like how you want to be treated.

It is important to treat others kindly. While I am guilty of letting my bad day affect my attitude, but I realize that other people are going through things as well. You never know what the person in front of you may be going through or what role they will play in your life, so make sure to treat them right the first time around.

5) Don't allow anyone to take advantage of you.

Although you should make sure to treat others fairly, it does not mean you should let others walk all over you. Stand up for yourself, and others, when you are being taken advantage of.

6) Do not underestimate yourself.

My parents always pushed us out of our comfort zones. Whenever we said we were afraid of doing something, they would tell us to at least try. Many times we did not stick with it or even like it, but I am glad that I at least tried it and have that experience.

7) Do not be afraid to ask for help.

This is something that took me a long time to get the hang of. There are many reasons why we do not ask for help; fear, pride, feeling alone, but whatever your reason know that there are people who want to help you - you just need to ask.

8) Know what you stand for.

Know what you are passionate about, and what you believe in. These will act as your guide through life's important decisions. Do not give yourself to something that you do not truly want to be a part of. Know your values, and when you need to defend them and when you need to improve upon them.

9) You are never alone. Your family is always there for you.

There are so many times that I have felt alone in life. It feels like I am the only one going through this bad situation and no one can say or do anything to make it better. But remember there is someone who may be able to help or at least support you through this. That counts.

10) Life is what you make it so give it all you've got.

This lesson has always summed up all the rest for me. Life is always full of surprises. Some of them good and some of them bad. But it is how we react and learn from these surprises that make us. So take chances, work hard, and love yourself and those around you and live your life!