1.Being 21 isn’t all that it is cracked up to be.

I know I’m not alone when I say it feels like I waited 21 years, to turn 21. One by one, I watched my friends turn 21, go out and do their 21 year old thing. Slowly but surely, it started to become such a schedule, so costly, and “21” didn’t seem so fantastic. I guess it was like anything in life, the chase was better than the catch.

2. If your major doesn’t make you happy, change it.

21, one year before you’re expected to walk across that stage, graduate, and begin your life in the working world. If your major doesn’t get you excited to graduate at this point, explore the idea of changing it. We are too young to continue our education in something that will not give you happiness for the next 40 something years of your life. What’s one more year or two in school if it means you’ll be happy in your career?

3.Take care of your body.

It’s very easy to get run down. You can easily lose sleep, or forget to eat. This isn’t good. This year is one of the craziest I’ve had, and if it wasn’t for coffee and Gatorade, I’m not sure I would have made it to my classes on some days-even when I chose a brownie over broccoli in the cafe. That is when I look back at those days I went crazy in the gym. It’s all about balance.

4. The lower grade is worth the memories sometimes.

I’m working on a paper in my room. My friends knock on my door wanting to go to the movies or mall. What did I do? I went. I saved my document, closed my computer, and grabbed my coat. When I’m walking across that stage will it matter whether I got a 93 or 92 on it? Nope. You know what will matter, the memories I created. The memories are more than likely worth it.

5. Be nice to your family.

I don’t mean the average “thank-you, you’re welcome” stuff. I mean, when you come home for break, stop at that bakery they like, watch the movies they want to watch, or surprise your mother with flowers. Do something that lets them know you’re thinking of them! In the future, I see my children playing with their cousins, my father walking me down the aisle, or vacationing with our families. It’s them who are by my side, and I would like to make sure they are aware of that.

6. You’ll learn the difference between acquaintances and friends.

No matter how short or how long, people will eventually show their true colors. Whether it be what they do to you, what they keep from you, or how they care about you. There is a big difference between acquaintances and friends, I’ve learned the hard way, but it’s important to learn this lesson.

7. Take time for yourself.

Whether this be going home for the weekend, turning your phone off, or skipping classes for a day-do it. What matters is you and your health. Weeks can get overwhelming, school is tiring, and situations can become stressful. If you do not take time for yourself, all you are doing is prolonging the stress and worry. Take time and breathe.

8. Listen to your gut.

A lesson that I should have learned earlier, but never have. We all have those times when we were told something, which we knew wasn’t true. We couldn’t provide proof or reasoning as to why we knew it was false, but we did. I’ve learned this year that I don’t need to provide reasoning if my gut tells me different, because the person you need look out for is yourself.

9. Be who you are.

At the end of the day there will always be people who don’t like you. All this does is waste time and energy, so you might as well be who you are.

10.Do what makes you happy.

Your happiness is what matters. Whether the situation is short term or long term, if it makes you happy do it. 21 is too young not to have fun.