When I turned eighteen, the biggest change in my life was that I could now buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. As I'm sitting in my college dorm room, six hours away from my mom, I've come to realize there is a lot more change that came along with being eighteen. Life is about trial and error, and at eighteen, I think i have learned more than I have in my years combined.
1. Yes, you're an adult now with the freedom to make your own decisions, but your parents (usually) still know best.
I get it, you're an "adult" now and this is your time to learn what that means, but your parents do still love you and though they can seem a little over protective, you'd rather them be in your life a little too much than not at all. They've been through this and can save you from making the same mistakes that they've made.
2. Make your own mistakes, too.
Your parents usually do know best, but it is still your life and you have to make your own mistakes, too. Otherwise, you'll just be a walking shell of them and I'm sure they're great but they raised you to be independent and smart; show them that you are that, and show yourself.
5. It's your body and you're old enough to choose what you put on it.
If your parents are like mine, then they probably aren't fans of piercings and tattoos. So, when I got a cross tattooed on my wrist, my mom wasn't (and still isn't) happy at all. But this cross isn't just an "I'm old enough to get a tattoo so I'm gonna get a tattoo" tattoo, it is a daily reminder of my faith and how I was raised so I'm sorry mom but this one is on me.
6. You'll lose friends and make friends, it's life.
I wish I could say that I was still close with the people I were at 8, but I also wish that I could say that the people that I'm close with now I've known since 8.
7. Your happiness is YOURS.
You're in control of your life, you chose what makes you happy or sad. Don't let your friends, classmates, coworkers, etc. define your happiness.
8. Work Hard.
College is different than high school. Your parents won't wake you up to go to class and your teachers (depending on the professor) don't care about what excuse you have for not coming to class. It's harder and you have to work harder but the degree is worth it.
10. Don't be afraid of change.
They're not kidding when they say time flies as you get older. Things change, people change, life changes, it's okay.
12. If you and your boyfriend/girlfriend break up, it's not the end of the world.
Your were fine before them and you'll be fine without them.
no late work.
14. Try new things.
Whether it's new food or a new club, put yourself out there. You'll never know if you hate something until you try it.
15. Remind your friends/family that you love them, don't just assume they know.
It isn't until you're far away from your family that you realize just how much you love and miss them. You never know when the last time you see someone will be so think of that when you're fighting with your friends.
16. Take lots of pictures.
These are the times you'll want to remember. But remember, don't pose for any picture you wouldn't want to be tagged in on social media.
17. Learn to love yourself.
If you don't love who you are, how can you expect anyone else to?
18. Don't be afraid to live.
Go out and be adventurous. The world is the ocean. Don't be afraid of getting bitten by a shark. Swim as much and as far out as you want.
As you go through your days, go with an open mind and an open heart. Cheers to eighteen and many more years.
