If I could describe growing up in one word it would be: scary. It hits you like a bus, and in the blink of an eye you go from throwing your laundry in the family community basket to learning how to do it yourself. It seems like a pact between all teenagers to not listen to their parents, roll their eyes, throw tantrums, and pretend like they know everything, but as you get older you realize something remarkable. Your parents actually knew what they were talking about! Shocker, right? I can't tell you how many times I thought I was the smartest one in my family, but I got a real wake up call when I hit 20: my mom is the smartest person I know.

1. Nothing is served on a sliver platter

The only way to get what you want in life is to work for it. Use your brains and talents to get where you want to be.

2. Nothing is more attractive than being smart

I admit, there was a time I couldn't care less about school or my grades. But, now that I'm older I definitely see how beneficial school and education is.

3. Heartbreaks won't last forever

Mom was supportive every time I went through a break-up, but also kindly reminded me that this pain won't last forever.

4. The guy wasn't worth it...

Furthermore, the guy wasn't worth the pain in the first place. There will always be someone better until you find "The One."

5. Saving money is hard...

For as long as I can remember, January is our money saving month. Since I'm in college it feels like every month is money saving month. (nothing haunts you like the shoes you didn't buy)

6. But saving money is worth it

My mom's motivation for me to save money is thinking about my first apartment. I want to have a cute apartment so I'm gonna save!

7. Take care of your skin

Whether it's washing your face twice a day or applying sunscreen, even in the dead of winter, you won't be able to reverse the damages later.

8. Be conscious of your body

Your body is your vessel and one of the only things you can truly control in life. So, make sure you keep it healthy and fit.

9. Don't deprive yourself

If you're craving Cheeto's at 8:00 p.m. then go ahead and eat them. Depriving yourself will only make you cranky.

10. Take time for yourself

Putting so much effort into others will get exhausting. Make sure you know when to take a step back and recharge.

11. Quality over quantity

It doesn't matter HOW MANY friends you have, it matters the KIND of friends you have. Would you rather have 4 quarters or 100 pennies?

12. To-do lists will keep you sane

I used to hate waking up in the summer to a to-do list from my mother, but now I make at least 3 to-do lists for myself every DAY.

13. Stay organized

Clutter and unorganized spaces will make you cranky and drive you insane.

14. Be kind

Treat the janitors the same way you treat your professors. Everyone deserves respect.

15. Small gestures mean the most

Write thank you notes when you receive a gift, and do something nice for the heck of it.

16. Keep your head, heels, and standards high

Don't let a bad situation dictate your emotions. A good outfit can fix a bad day. Don't lower yourself for the benefit of someone else.

17. Love is out there

Don't rush your search for love. It'll find you when you quit looking.

18. Love might not hit you right away

When my mom first met my dad she tried to avoid him. The next time they met, he picked her up and asked "Who are you trying to impress?" Clearly, it's not always so black and white.

19. Don't judge a book by its cover

You don't know what other people are going through, so don't be quick to judge.

20. You're worth it

Never doubt that you are deserving of success or happiness.

21. Don't forget where you came from

In the words of Tim McGraw "Always stay humble and kind."

Thanks for all the life lessons, Mom. You obviously knew what you were talking about, and MAYBE I'll start listening the first time you tell me something.