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20 Lessons I Learned Before I Blew Out 20 Candles

I've learned a lot in my 20 years, and I know I'll continue to learn as the years go by.

Alissa Kane

May 15, 2018

The Narrative

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20 Lessons I Learned Before I Blew Out 20 Candles

Alissa Kane

I recently entered a wild new world, the world of officially being in my twenties.

It’s crazy to think that I’m here, a 20-year-old student, halfway through college, and that much closer to entering the real world; the adult world. I am ready to tackle this next chapter and everything that this life will have to offer. I’ll be the first to admit that it’s scary, and it is bittersweet to leave my teen years behind me.

Though it may not have always been the smoothest of sailing by any means, I’ve weathered the storms and became a stronger, wiser, and more compassionate individual.

I’m looking at my twenties as a clean slate, and as a wide open window of opportunity.

I’ve compiled this list as a reminder for me that there is always something to learn from in every situation, whether good or bad, and it will only help you grow into the person you are meant to be.

Here are 20 things I’ve learned in my 20 years:

1. Do more of what makes YOU happy.

2. Take more risks.

3. Stop taking everything so seriously.

4. It’s okay to outgrow friendships.

5. Eat the damn cupcake if you want to.

6. Time alone is just as important as time spent with others.

7. Never be afraid to ask for help.

8. You’re not always right.

9. Never underestimate your parent's advice (odds are, they’re right!).

10. College may not be the best time of your life.

11. Live for the moment and not the pictures.

12. Not everyone is going to like you.

13. People are capable of change.

14. It’s okay to forgive and not forget.

15. Don’t be afraid of failure.

16. It’s okay to say no.

17. But it’s also okay to say yes.

18. Quality is MUCH better than quantity, in all aspects.

19. Keep your standards high!

20. Be kind.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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20 Lessons I Learned Before I Blew Out 20 Candles

I've learned a lot in my 20 years, and I know I'll continue to learn as the years go by.

Here are 20 things I’ve learned in my 20 years:

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The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

1. Figuring out when to start

2. Searching through list after list to get everything you need

3. Shopping for deals

4. Getting bins to put everything in

5. Figuring what you can’t live without

6. Going through clothes to find what you need

7. Finding out your siblings took something from you

8. Fighting with your parents.

9. Trying to plan things with your roommate

10. The fear of forgetting something

11. Move in day

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

1. When you fail that midterm you studied so hard for.

2. When your crush finally texts back.

3. When payday comes around.

4. When you accidentally like someone's picture from 108 weeks ago.

5. When someone takes your unassigned assigned seat.

6. When your favorite character in your favorite TV series dies.

7. When that guy/girl you’ve been crushing on agrees to go on a date with you.

8. When you have so much to do, and such little motivation to do it.

9. When someone asks for your last fry.

10. When you try a new health-food craze.

11. When you get new clothing.

12. When you check your bank account.

13. When they're serving good food in the dining hall.

14. When someone tries to tell you what to do.

15. Or just your thoughts about life in general.

We all have that "I don't care" attitude.

1. Most students just take life day by day.

2. That means procrastinating, one day at a time.

3. College students don't mind dressing like crap sometimes.

4. In fact, dressing nice feels weird.

5. College students get so stressed that they contemplate dropping on a daily basis.

6. But most find another solution to deal with that stress.

7. And that solution can be pretty cheap. Anything over $5 is expensive.

8. One of the only things college students will spend money on is coffee.

9. College is just really expensive and you never forget how expensive it is.

10. But hey, we're getting a somewhat high-quality education, right?

11. We all really just want to pet dogs all day.

12. And eat pizza for every meal.

13. And stab the next person who asks us what we want to do with our life.

14. However, despite the stress and student loans, college is amazing and there's plenty of reasons to smile.

Thank you, April, for inspiring us with your wicked relatability.

Life is full of twists and turns, but you have to keep going.

1. Wallow.

2. Cry.

3. Get Angry.

4. Tell Someone You Love Them.

5. Forgive.

6. Let go of the negative people in your life.

7. Be yourself.

8. Swallow Your Pride.

9. Stop Freaking Out Over Your Body.

10. Say No.

11. Accept Love.

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