At the end of this weekend I will be celebrating my 20th birthday. As it does every year, knowing my birthday is coming up brings up a lot of memories from years past. This one makes me even more nostalgic because I will no longer be a teenager after this weekend (finally!). I’ve done a lot of thinking the past few days and I thought I’d put together a list of things that I’ve learned as a teenager that will help me move forward into my 20’s for anyone who is feeling the same way I am about turning 20.
1. Life isn’t fair.
To me, this is probably the biggest lesson I learned as a teenager. Getting a job, going through college and learning to be your own person opens a lot of doors in your life, which also comes with the fact that life isn’t always fair. You won’t always get what you deserve out of life and things might not always go your way. It’s just a part of life and it’s an important thing to remember as you grow up. The sooner you learn this, the better you’ll be able to deal with it.
2. People will leave.
One of the most difficult parts of life is realizing this fact right there. People will leave, it is inevitable. However, it’s how you deal with it that matters. Even though it may hurt to see the people you love choose to walk out of your life, sometimes it’s for the better. There’s usually a reason a certain relationship doesn’t work out, and each end leads to a new beginning. Cheesy, I know, but believe me you’ll understand when it happens to you.
3. There’s life after high school.
This is something I hope every teenager understands. Even though you think high school is what defines you and your life path, it’s definitely not the truth. You’ll see it clearly when you graduate and when everyone goes their separate ways. The people who seemed so important in high school could turn out to be the total opposite when it’s over. High school doesn’t define you.
4. College is important (sometimes).
When I say sometimes, I mean for certain people. Not everyone has to go to college. In fact, I’ve seen very successful people who have not gone to college. However, if you have to get a degree to get the job you desire, take it seriously. It’s not all partying and staying out late, you actually have to learn to put yourself in a position to work in a trade. College is important.
5. Keep your friends and family close.
Whether you have five close friends or 20, it is important to have friends to lean on during some of the most difficult times of your life. The same goes with your family. No one can get through life without the support of friends and family, so don’t try to do it to look strong. Your friends and family makes you stronger, so use them to your advantage and never take them for granted.
6. Work hard.
Don’t expect to get through life without a lot of hard work along the way. Even though it is draining at times, everything feels better when you know you’ve worked your hardest for it. I’ve been raised to work for what I want, I don’t get anything handed to me. I wanted a car? I saved up money. I want to go to college? I pay for it by going to work four or five days a week. Believe me when I say this is one of the best lessons my parents taught me because I have learned to appreciate everything I have even more.
7. Have fun.
Yes, you have to work and go to school and you’re tired. However, life is short. Don’t waste your days sitting around wishing for a better life. Some people would kill to be able to do half of what you can do with your free time. Take advantage of being able to let loose every once in a while. There’s nothing wrong with having a little fun.
8. The less drama, the better.
This one is tough to get across to teenagers, and it can be tough growing up, too. It’s almost impossible to escape all drama, especially with that lovely technology we call social media. However, you should learn to move past the drama and simply shake it off. Even though it might be hard, it’s not fun being surrounded by constant drama. Life goes on. One day you’ll look back and thank yourself for not letting it bother you.
9. Don’t be afraid to take chances.
If I haven’t gotten this point across already, life is short. You never know what will happen tomorrow, so don’t be afraid to take a chance. You may not get a second chance. Tell someone you love them 10 times a day, hang out with the people you love as much as possible and enjoy every moment of your life. Don’t spend time wishing you had done something, instead use that time to make whatever it is possible. Don’t wait to do something you really want to do.
10. Be Yourself.
This might seem too cliché to some people but it really is true. If you have to try to be like everyone else around you, you need to think about who you're trying to impress. The right people will like you for who you are, you. Never let anyone tell you that you aren't good enough.
11. Don’t forget to be happy.
Even if your day at work sucked or you got a bad grade at school, find reasons to be happy. It takes more energy to frown than smile. Use your energy wisely and make someone else happy as well. After all, “Life is too short to be anything but happy.” :)
