Everything is continuously changing, you're scared, and you honestly don't know what is going on half of the time. You're clear of wrinkles, pumped on hormones and full of regrets.
Here are some things I've experienced being the glorious age of 20 years old:
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1. The balance of becoming a functioning adult and still wanting to be a kid.
I've spent countless hours perfecting my LinkedIn profile, resumes and keeping an eye out for internships. Sometimes I catch myself growing up too fast. It is the awkward age of being able to balance the fun festivities that college brings while beginning to build your professional life.
2. Being broke.
You have learned how to make a $20 dollar bill last an entire week. Welcome to the sick reality of the expenses of life. As I prepare to live in my first big kid house next year, I realize that no matter how many hours you work, there are always more bills to pay. It is a never-ending cycle that makes you feel guilty for ordering pizza at 2 a.m.
3. Love.
Those high school sweethearts are one in a million. This is the confusing stage of casually hooking up or exclusively dating. Rarely do you find someone who is on the same page as you. It is impossible to define whatever "relationship" you are in. This is the time for butterflies in you stomach and some of the most terrible heartaches of your life.
People come and go. You can count the number of true friends you have on one hand. It's a matter of learning something from every person that walks into your life because at this age nothing is stable. So learn from what you can, but keep the friendships you have always had. They will be there till the very end.
5. Dependent vs. IndependentThe awkward transition between wanting to do things on your own but still leaning on your parents for support. You live miles away, and you are starting to form a life of your own—yet there are several reasons why you still need their help. You find yourself calling Mom in the midst of any crisis.
6. Life is short.
It's not the fairy tale ending you thought of as a child. You finally realize the brutal truth of life. It's way too short and way too fragile. It is crazy, by this age, how many people you know that have been affected by a death. It makes you grateful for the life you live and how precious life's moments are.
7. Everyone is in different stages.
Some have kick-ass internships, others are getting married and having kids, and some are in school and getting drunk every night. Either way, it gives you something to gossip about.
8. Failure.
This is the age of continuous failure. You have learned how to learn from your mistakes and accept failure. Everyone has his/her own sh*t, so man-up, and stop feeling sorry for yourself.
9. Confused about your future.
I have questioned my major countless times. Who hasn't? You don't have to know what EXACTLY you want to do in the future. It's okay not to see a clear path. I've learned, at this age, that everything will fall into place. Just keep doing you, boo, and life will have a crazy way of working out.
10. Jobs.
Your job, most likely, is not your dream job. It is simply a job to help you keep gas in your car and pay the landlord. But learn from angry customers and bussing tables. My college job has given me social skills that will help me in my future.
11. Body weight.
The harsh reality of growing up is accepting that your childhood metabolism won't last forever. Accept and love all your curves, indulge in a cookie every now an then and learn to build a healthy lifestyle. It's not about being skinny, it's about being healthy. No magazine can tell you that.
