Turning 21 is amazing – and not just because you are legal. By age 21 you have learned a lot, even if you don't realize it.
1. College is as awesome as they say.
But maybe not for the reasons that you expected. Regardless of the type of school you attend, all colleges offer the unique experience of being in a community of people your age, facing the same problems and learning the same lessons. By 21, you’ve realized how to do a lot of things for yourself that you didn’t know before college (exhibit A: you know how to do your own laundry).
2. Family comes first.
Going away to college makes you appreciate your family even more than you did before. Although it seems to go without saying that your family should come first in your priorities, by the time you're 21 the adage takes on another meaning. Your family always has your back, even if they are hundreds of miles away from you.
3. Sleep is NOT optional.
The first few years of college may have introduced a new sleeping schedule into your life. Waking up early is still the norm (for the most part), but not going to sleep until the AM on a regular basis takes a toll on you. By 21, you've realized the importance of getting a solid night's sleep (although you still will pull an all-nighter in an emergency).
4. Homework is NOT optional.
In your high school days, you may have gotten away with not doing any homework, or at least very little. That does not fly in college, as you quickly realized your freshman year. Now that you're 21, you probably have a good study system going with your friends – not a productive system, but at least you're all trying.
5. Organization is the key to more success.
You finally have a day planner. And use Google Calendar. You rock.
6. It's OK to make new friends.
Now that you're 21, you know how much fun it is to expand your circle of friends. Your current friends don't take it personally when you hang out with new people – this is a great age to be as social as you want to be! Plus, once you introduce them all to each other, your friend group gets even larger and more awesome.
7. It's OK to lose friends.
Just as you grow closer to some people, you may grow further from others. At 21, you know that this is just a part of life.
8. Not everyone is going to like you.
While it is perfectly natural to want to be well-liked, one of the hardest lessons to learn is that there are going to be some people that you just don't get along with no matter what you do. By 21, you've realized to let it go – as long as you are true to yourself and treat others with respect, the right people will want to be in your life.
9. The "Freshman 15" is real (and fine).
Many of us find some degree of weight gain in college inevitable. Part of it is the change in environment, and a lot of it is just because you're body changes as you get older. By 21 you've learned to accept this (and if you're not happy about it, you're taking steps to reach your comfortable weight).
10. It is important to have fun.
Take a break every once and awhile! It doesn't mean you're not taking your academics seriously, it means that you recognize that everyone needs some time to relax and watch Netflix or go to a party.
11. Take pictures of the best times.
You'll thank yourself later when you are reminiscing with your friends.
12. Put your phone down.
After you take some pictures or post an Instagram, leave your phone alone. By 21, you know not to get so caught up in documenting your life that you miss all of the fun.
13. Keep up to date with politics.
The future of America is in your hands. Although you can vote at 18, by 21 you have a better sense of which policies you agree with – and which you don't agree with.
14. Money is important, but not the most important.
Aside from the student loan debt you accrue in college, you are also faced with spending a lot of money on other things, from textbooks to just daily essentials (how you spend $50 every time you go to CVS remains a mystery). By the time you're 21 you've learned to spend responsibly, but also occasionally splurge on yourself.
15. TRAVEL.
Go everywhere and anywhere anytime you have the opportunity to do so. Even if you don't study abroad, you take advantage of every chance to go somewhere new, whether it be for a service trip or ski trip.
16. Don't take anything for granted.
You may only be 21 years old, but you have a very mature outlook on life. You understand and appreciate the opportunity to make friends, learn, grow, and be prepared for your future.
17. You're awesome.
You have a much better sense of personal identity by the time you are 21. You know who you are, and more importantly, who you're not. You recognize how important it is to be true to yourself. You've had 21 great years so far, keep it up.
