As of the day I'm writing this article, tomorrow will be my 18th birthday. The birthday that marks one's transition into adulthood (although I'm sure no one but the Federal government considers an 18-year-old to be a real adult). I do not expect any great upheaval in my everyday life, nor do I expect everything to always stay the same. I've done quite a few things in the 17.115 years I've been on this Earth, from traveling solo to Japan at 15 to mushing a dogsled in Canada in January. I've moved cross-country in a car, seen the Declaration of Independence, and graduated from high school. I've built robots, spliced DNA and published poetry. I've done more than a lot have at my age, and I feel incredibly lucky just to wake up every morning with the amazing opportunities and privileges that I have been given. The things I cherish most, however, are the lessons that I've learned, whether it be through a mistake or a coincidence, these are the things that have truly shaped me as a person.

18. Let yourself get excited over the little things (like dogs or french fries)

17. A friend who purposefully hurts you is never a friend

16. Don't lie to your mother, lover, therapist or best friend

15. Take time to appreciate nature. Watch the sunrise, go stargazing, take a hike.

14. Don't ever let a boy talk down to you because of your interests. Don't let anyone talk down to you, period.

13. Do not freely give respect to those who have not earned it. The same thing applies to trust.

12. However, be kind always and to everyone

11. Always give people a second chance, but never a third

10. Taking care of your body should never feel like a chore

9. Put yourself first. You are your only priority.

8. Spend money on experiences, not keepsakes (the exception to this rule is buying them for your mother)

7. Your body needs potatoes

6. Don't be ashamed of any imperfections on your body, think of them as what makes you uniquely beautiful

5. Be here now or you'll let life slip right past you

4. You choose your true family, you're not just stuck with your biological relatives

3. Take pride in your work or risk not being taken seriously (and don't ever take yourself seriously)

2. Left yourself be afraid of something, but do the thing anyway. Your fear will decrease the moment you stop letting it own your actions.

1. The minute you set your expectations too high is the minute you destine yourself to be disappointed