18 Lessons I Wish I Learned At 18

When I was 18, I was bold. I took chances. I made mistakes. I lived without a care in the world. A year later, I am still the same girl, but I am also more grounded, mature and have myself more figured out than ever before. I have grown so much over the last year of my life. Though figuring yourself and adulthood out is a process (one that I'm still working on), there are a few crucial lessons I have learned over the last year.

1. Personality impacts life more than a number on the scale.
2. Everything will work out...no, really.
3. Time management is key to having fun and doing well.
4. Being single is not something to be ashamed of.
5. You're never too young to make a difference.
6. Just because he told you you’re pretty, doesn’t mean he has good intentions.
7. Work on becoming the type of person you would admire.
8. Being different doesn't make you weird, it makes you interesting.
9. Have fun, but remember school is more important than social hour.
10. Be courageous, especially when you need to say sorry.
11. Admit to your mistakes...and learn from them.
12. Don’t shut good people out.
13. It’s never too late to reconnect.
14. Stay true to yourself.
15. Take chances…you’re more likely to regret the things you didn’t do, rather than what you did.
16. If someone doesn’t like you, it doesn’t mean it’s your fault.
17. Don’t rely on others to validate you and your meaning.
18. Don't rush into the future, this really is one of the best years of your life.