You can learn a valuable lesson at any age in life, but during my 18th year is when I learned the most valuable lessons. At 18, you realize that suddenly you are an adult. Although you don't feel any different, and people don't treat you any differently, you slowly begin to understand that things are changing in the world around you. At this age, you are either living up the last few months of your senior year in high school or you are starting over at college.

I turned 18 just before I graduated high school, so I spent most of my 18th year in college. I started a new life in a new state with a ton of new faces and new experiences welcoming me. Life changed for me faster than I realized. I learned to adjust to this new life quickly, and with this adjustment, I learned some very important lessons.

Here are 18 of the most important things I realized at 18:

1. Sometimes, things do not work out how you want them to. Do not give up.

2. With that being said, everything will work out how it is supposed to.

3. There is no such thing as studying too much.

4. It is okay to spend your whole day binge-watching Netflix on the couch or in your bed.

5. It is never too late to make friends.

6. It is also never too late to explore your interests. Go out and try something new.

7. No one has it all figured out. We are all in the same boat. Stop stressing.

8. It doesn't matter what people think about you, as long as you are happy with yourself.

9. Always put yourself first because who else will?

10. Stop wishing you could go back and do something differently.

11. You will be wrong. Apologize and own up to your mistakes.

12. It is okay to ask for help when you need it.

13. You deserve the best, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

14. Sleep is important. Very important.

15. You should not have to question who your real friends are. You should just know.

16. Time flies faster than you think.

17. Alone time becomes time that you value.

18. Some people will say that high school is the best years of your life. Other people will say that college is the best years of your life. All the years will be the best if you make the most out of them.

Most of these lessons were learned during my first year of college. Things do not just hit you. Over time, you will begin to think your days over and realize all you have learned. 18 is a big year for most people, but it is what you make of it that matters the most.