Seems like yesterday was my first day of kindergarten, backpack over my shoulders, lunchbox in hand, and an excited smile on my face. This last week I turned eighteen, something I've waited for since before I could remember. No more "Mom, will you please sign this?", "Hey, will you let me get my belly button pierced?", or "Can I get a tattoo, please?" texts. I can vote and drive and take responsibility for myself. Looking back over the years, there's a lot I've learned in the past eighteen years.

1. Family is family.

They're there when you need it, whether you stupidly broke your foot, or decided to run away. They love you, whether they agree with you or not.

2. Siblings don't suck as much as you used to think.

I grew up with a pretty big family and I remember being jealous of all my friends who were the only ones. But now, I have people who understand my crazy family, who know my crazy personality, and who will always be there for me, because if they're not I have super embarrassing stories AND pictures, ones they would prefer for the Internet to never see. Need a shoulder to cry on? Call one.

3. You can't pick family, but sometimes family picks you.

That roommate you randomly picked after two or three conversations? Now she knows you like the back of your hand. She's the sister you never hated, and the best friend you've ever had.

4. Life isn't fair. But it's worth it.

You watch good people go through awful situations and constantly wonder, "Why?" Because you wouldn't appreciate the good if you hadn't experienced the bad. Those people are stronger and God always has a reason.

5. You don't have to do it alone.

Life is hard. It's not supposed to be something you go through alone. You're supposed to lean on your friends and your family.

6. Life is too short for regret.

I've seen people taken way before I thought they should've. I've seen parents outlive their children, and the pain that causes. So live life with no regrets. Tell him (or her) you love him. Tell your mom you miss her. Hug your grandpa. Because you aren't promised tomorrow.

7. Tomorrow will worry about itself.

Things have a funny way of always working themselves out. Why ruin today worrying about something that might never happen? If it's meant to be, it'll happen.

8. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't work hard.

Good things come to those who persevere, so be that person. Work hard in school, work hard on the court, and work hard in life.

9. Don't take things for granted.

One day, you'll miss your high school friends, and you'll look back on prom, and realize how easy everything was then.

10. Live in the moment.

Once in a lifetime opportunities? Yeah, those are called once in a lifetime for a reason.

11. Boys (and girls) don't define your worth.

That boy who broke your heart, or that girl who never called you back? There's a reason. And when you meet the right person, you'll be thankful it never worked out.

12. Friends are everything.

I went into college thinking the friends I made the first couple weeks were the ones I would have for the rest of my life. And the ones I left at home, they would be, too. But as much as I thank them for the memories, some people just grow apart. That doesn't mean I don't love them or miss them.

13. Take pride in who you are.

Your passions matter. What you do matters. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. You are amazing. So go be amazing.

14. 2AM adventures are the best.

Those midnight drives to get donuts during finals week are going to be the ones you remember for the rest of your life.

15. The little things matter the most.

They may not seem like much at the time, but really, when you look back on it, those nights you spent in, dancing in your room, watching Netflix cuddled up with your best friend, those are the ones you'll remember.

16. Don't waste time on people who don't care.

"Sorry, I've been busy." Excuses are excuses. If they care, they'll make time for you. It's simple.

17. Take chances.

Don't be afraid of the risks. Get that piercing, kiss that boy. Don't live a life of what-ifs.

18. You're too young to be taking life this seriously.

You're eighteen, you shouldn't have your life together. It's okay not to know what you want to do with the rest of your life. It's okay to live in the moment. Just live.

In the end, life is too short not to be surrounded by the people you love. Live your life. I'm thankful for all the great people who've been a part of mine. I love you guys. Thanks for the past eighteen years.