Nineteen years is a long time, it doesn't feel that long but it is.
By the time you're nineteen like I am, you have graduated high school and are most likely in college, or at least one year into living life as an "adult." That's the thing though, even though I'm an adult I definitely don't feel like one. I am constantly looking to older adults for guidance and suggestions on how to live my life.
While there are many things I still have to learn about being an adult, I have found there are some things you should really have down before you turn nineteen:
1. How to make a grilled cheese
At least, by the time you're nineteen you should know how to cook some things and grilled cheese is one of them.
2. How to do laundry
It's way easier than it sounds. If your mom is still doing your laundry, stop. Learn how to do it yourself, your mom can't wash your clothes forever!
3. How to do dishes
Whether you have a dishwashing machine or not, you should know how to wash a dish. This is an important skill to have, especially when you have roommates.
4. How to fill out paperwork
Paperwork can be boring, tedious, and downright annoying, but knowing how to do it completely and quickly is definitely a good "adult" skill.
5. How to cash a check
While many of these services are online now, knowing how to cash a check is very important.
6. How to clean
Please know how to clean. Vacuum, scrub, mop, and more. Cleaning is so important anywhere you live.
7. How to do your hair
Knowing your hair and how you like to style it is a good skill as well. It may not seem all that important, but not having to worry about it is such a good feeling!
8. How to start a conversation
This may seem simple, but it seems that more and more people fail to be able to start up conversations with one another. Start by just saying "hello!"
9. How to keep a conversation going
Not only must you have the skill to start a conversation, but you must also be able to keep people talking. Ask questions about them, talk about a common interest, or even just chat about the weather. Say something that keeps the conversation moving.
10. How to write well
In 2017, very few people know how to write well. Being able to write a letter, or even just a grammatically correct Facebook post, is an important skill to have.
11. How to pump gas
At nineteen, you probably drive and with this comes pumping gas. Hopefully, you've known how to do this one for some time now.
12. How to make an appointment
Hint: You may have to actually call someone on the phone! Making your own appointments can be a little scary at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy!
13. How to sew
I don't mean sew a whole quilt or anything, just knowing how to stitch small tears and stuff is a helpful thing to know.
14. How to be thrifty
Learning how to save money and to be careful with the money you have is really important!
15. How to put down your phone
I know it's hard. Our phones seem to consume our lives, but with that, we need to recognize that our life beyond our phones is so much more important. Interact with people, read a book, or go out to dinner. Learn to be okay without your phone.
16. How to listen to others
I mean really listen. When people speak, don't just think of what you're going to say next, but really take in what people are telling you!
17. How to dress
Dressing well is a skill. Know what looks good on you and what you like to wear best -- find your style!
18. How to make coffee
Like, really good coffee. Learning how to make an amazing cup of coffee is essential!
19. How to be confident
It is so easy to feel uncertain at nineteen, and while we don't know everything, we do know something! So, use what you know and be proud of it! Be confident in the adult you are becoming, even if you aren't there yet!
