I've been on this earth for almost a full 19 years and while I was born in the 20th century, I've obviously spent a heck of a lot more time in the 21st century. So here's a list of 16 things I've learned since the first time the Earth was supposed to end way back in 2000.

1. It's OK to cry. We are constantly taught that crying is weakness, but I've learned that allowing yourself to be so vulnerable to something is a true test of strength.

2. Religion doesn't matter. Whether you believe in a god, science, or nothing at all, it doesn't really matter in the end. What matters is how you treat others. Whether you believe in a god, science, or nothing at all, it doesn't really matter in the end. What matters is how you treat others.

3. Family isn't always blood. In fact, your friends can make for some of the best family you could ever ask for.

4. But, blood is also important.Family can get annoying and pushy and overbearing, but they are some of the most important people in your life. Don't push them away so easily.

5. Jealousy is the worst emotion. Jealousy will eat you alive and not only that, but it brings out the worst parts of your other emotions as well. I know it isn't easy, but trying not to be as jealous is really good for the soul.

6. It's OK to tell people you love them.Unless you don't mean it, it's perfectly fine to tell people you love them. You never know when someone will be taken from you, so tell them. Also, it's nice to know you're loved.

7. Nothing good happens after 10 p.m., but nothing great happens until midnight. Well, at least that's how it works in college.

8. Regret happens more when you don't do something than when you do something. The pain or feelings of embarrassment will go away, but then feeling of not knowing never does.

9. Popularity in high school means absolutely nothing when you leave, so don't sweat it.

10. Most of the time people aren't who they say they are. Everyone is hiding something, get to know someone before you completely rid them off.

11. Music heals the soul, better than anything... except maybe ice cream. So go ahead and listen to the same five songs on repeat and cry into your pint of ice cream.

12. Pain is inevitable, but it makes happiness so much better and getting through pain makes you stronger.

13. Stepping out of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do. There's so much out there, don't let fear keep you from living a full life.

14. Everything doesn't happen for a reason, sure some things do, but there will be things that happen that just plain suck and you will never ever understand the reason. And you know what? It's OK, we aren't supposed to know everything.

15.You're heart will get broken and you'll trust people who will lie to you, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't form beautiful relationships. Love is worth the risk.

16. No matter how hard life gets, it is always worth living. For every reason to give up there are 100 reasons why you shouldn't give up. Life is ugly and hard, but it's also beautiful and rewarding, so live it.

The world has a lot to offer, so live your life, learn some lessons, and become the best person you can be.