I just turned 19 this past week, so I figured I'd reflect on the 365 days I got to be 18. Here are 18 things I learned; hopefully, you can relate to some of these lessons, too (or you can learn from them).
1. I wasn't alone.
Although 18 can be confusing, what with it being a whirlwind of responsibility while you're still considered a teenager, I quickly found that I had a great support system backing me. My parents, friends, family and many other people were there for me to discover what it means to be faced with newfound responsibility and independence.
2. I was alone.
Although I had a support system, there were lots of things I had to face on my own. There are some instances where you are the sole participant, the sole experiencer; for me, this came in the form of balancing my academic life and mental health. Yes, I had people supporting me and encouraging me to take care of myself, but I realized that there was no one who could truly help me except for myself. I was solely responsible for taking action.
3. I don't have to impress anyone...
...except for myself. And job interviewers.
4. I'm not the high school version of myself.
Everyone says you change after high school, but I'm going to go ahead and say it anyway: I changed after high school. I'm not that person anymore - well, I am in some ways - but in other ways, I definitely am not. To be more specific, I'm no longer the public education system version of myself. I was always the goody-goody, straight A student, and even though I still aspire to be a good student and a hard worker, I have learned that experiencing life is just as important as making good grades.
5. Being a registered voter is the coolest feeling.
Enough said.
6. Time does not show loyalty; character does.
You could be friends with someone for years and have them betray your trust. You can meet someone tomorrow and know them for only a few days when you get a "gut feeling" that they're great.
7. There will be lots of opportunities, but I don't have to take every one of them.
I'd use to laugh at you if you were to tell me this. Now, however, I've realized that there are a lot of great opportunities out there, but my time is limited and it is valuable. Only accept the opportunities worth doing; make sure you're giving up your time and resources wisely.
8. Rejection sucks.
It always has, but this past year in particular threw rejection in my face a few times. Rejection - when it comes from something you so badly wanted - feels like a knife in the heart.
9. I'm not as special as I once thought I was.
Well, okay, let me rephrase that because everyone is unique and important in their own way. I'm not special in some senses, meaning certain traits I possess are common among a lot of other people. I have had to look deep inside myself to truly see what defines me, what sets me apart from my peers.
10. Modern dating can be horrendous.
Not always, but sometimes.
11. I will always care "too much."
A lot of people have told me I care about some things "too much." I used to believe them, but then I realized that caring is not a negative attribute. So I'm just going to keep on doing it.
12. It's okay to be sensitive.
See #11.
13. A sense of humor goes a long way.
Applicable situations include: a bad date, cheering up a friend, and meeting new people.
14. No one is paying attention.
Sing at the top of your lungs. Everyone is probably focused on themselves, anyway.
15. Managing finances can be difficult.
You need to ensure you don't spend all your extra funds on coffee. This process can be difficult if you're not sure where to begin or how much money to allocate to each necessity/want, so seek out help.
16. I don't always owe an explanation.
Unless I'm at fault, I really don't need to justify my choices to anyone.
17. I will not always be confident.
But I will do my best to believe in myself.
18. I have a lot more to learn.
This goes unsaid.
Here's to being 19 and learning more than 18 taught me.
