I’ve heard that you can’t really answer the question “how does it feel to be X-years-old” until you’ve actually been the age. It’s hard to answer that question when you’ve only just turned the new age. But as you approach the end one year aging another year older you learn what it is like to be the age the age that you were. So now that I know what it is like being 18-years-old, here are the things you’ll learn while you are 18.

1. Whichever college you choose is OK

Don’t listen to the crowd. If you like what you like, then it’ll work out. Once you get to college, it won’t matter anyway.

2. Do something out of your comfort zone

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” –Neale Donald Walsch

3. Be patient

Don’t rush your life or wish that you can fast forward your life to a certain time. Before you know it, you’ll already be there. Enjoy the time you have now.

4. Move on

Don’t hold grudges—especially ones from high school while you are in college. There is absolutely no point. High school is over.

5. Be spontaneous

Go on random adventures with friends or family. Do something fun.

6. Find that one place

That one place that you are at your most content. That one place where you can relax. That one place where all of a sudden all your troubles just goes away.

7. It’s OK to be alone

Have inner peace with yourself. You don’t always need to be doing something at every single second of the day.

8. It’s OK to miss home

Homesickness is normal if you are away at college, but don’t let it take over your life.

9. It’s OK to be confused

This is at a time of your life where you are being forced to make decisions that will affect the rest of your life, so it’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do with your life or where you want to go to college. Just take your time and you’ll figure it out.

10. Be informed

Now you are officially of legal age. Know your rights. Watch the news. Watch the presidential debates. Vote.

11. Keep an open-mind

In college, you’ll be able to experience new things. Don’t close yourself off to what you were comfortable with in high school.

12. Find your passion…

Run with it. Thrive on it. Make it keep you going.

13. …And hobbies

Just because you are not an art major doesn’t mean you can’t still draw. Just because you aren’t an English major doesn’t mean you still can’t write. And just because you like something, but don’t plan on making a career out of it, doesn’t mean you don’t stop doing it.

14. Stay in touch with people

Don’t be afraid to be the first person to talk, but also don’t always be the only one making the effort. If you are away at college or have other friends away at college, do your best to talk to them. Also, talk to your family, they’ll miss you the most.

15. Trust your gut

If something is telling you yes or no, listen to it. It is never wrong.

16. Pay it forward

I had personal experience with this one day this past year. Help people.

17. Just because you are of legal age does not mean you are an “adult”

There are more things that constitute an adult than just an age.

18. You still need Mom and Dad