In my 19 years, I have experienced a great deal of life lessons. I have had the opportunities to travel, meet some amazing people and learn from my mistakes. Even though 19 years isn't long at all, I can say that there are a few people and places that have taught me some amazing things. Despite some of these lessons being pretty general, the meaning behind them is what makes them so important to understand.

1. Kristen said: "You should always laugh at yourself."

If I was ever embarrassed or in a situation where everyone was laughing at me, I got really nervous. However, Kristen fixed that. She taught me to always laugh, especially at myself. In life, we are going to have those opportunities to laugh at ourselves, so take every chance you get, because it makes life a lot funnier.

2. Samantha said: "Do the little things that make you happy."

Samantha taught me that if putting on a full face of makeup every day or re-watching every season of Friends for the hundredth time makes you feel good than do it. Who cares what everyone else is doing; do what makes you happy, even if it's the little things.

3. Rocco said: "You can never ask too many questions."

Over the past fifteen years, my brother Rocco has taught me that there are never enough questions. Since I can remember, he has constantly asked questions about anything and everything. And he's right, you can never ask too many questions.

4. Nonna said: "Be nice to everyone, no matter what."

My grandmother has taught me that no matter what, you must always be nice. This isn't always easy, but it's worth it. Being the bigger, stronger person can sometimes rub off on others too.

5. Aunt Mee said: "You are never too old to learn something new."

Even in her 80's, my aunt taught me that there is no age limit on the things you can experience and learn from. Every time I saw her, she would fill me in on the latest updates of her findings.

6. Colleen said: "Do the right thing."

Whenever I was stuck in a hard situation or confused about what to do, Colleen always encourages me to do what was morally right. And you what, she was always right in the end.

7. Mama said: "Never lose faith."

My mother taught me that even in the worst of times, you always have to have faith that things will turn around. Believing is something not a lot of people can do, but if you believe and have faith, there will be nothing to worry about.

8. Joseph said: "Let the force be with you."

My cousin was a very smart, educated lawyer who had a love for Star Wars. He taught me that some of the most professional people can have fun because everyone is a kid at heart.

9. Papa said: "You are capable of more than you think."

My father has taught me that you can honestly do anything if you really want you. All you need is an open mind and determination.

10. My Avós taught me: "Remember your roots."

My grandparents have taught me to not forget your roots. They have shown me and my brother the history of our culture and what it means to be proud of your culture.

11. Megan said: "Live in the moment."

I have learned that sometimes the best memories are made on the spur of the moment and sometimes you need to just go for it.

12. My neighbors on Winthrop Road said: "We're walking at 6:45!"

My neighbors have taught me that home and family is not where the home is, but where you all gather to be with each other, even if it's just to take a walk around the block.

13. An old friend taught me: "Childhood memories are some of the greatest gifts."

I learned that even if you aren't still friends with a person because you happened to lose touch with them or simply drifted apart, they still gave you something amazing. Childhood memories are something I find to be very special and I am happy that I experienced mine with my childhood best friend.

14. Sister Regina said: "Kindness goes farther than you think."

My old principal taught me that kindness is contagious and you should share it every chance you get.

15. Uncle Derk taught me: "Do what you can for others."

My uncle was a very giving man who did everything for the people he loved. At a young age, he taught me to simply help when you can and enjoy yourself while you do.

16. Father Murphy said: "Do what you think is enough."

My history teacher was a very wise man who lived his life in simplicity and wanted us to do the same, but do good to others at the same time.

17. Charlene and Francine taught me: "Support and dedication are what make friendships last."

These two wonderful people have been my best friends for 14 years. We have remained close despite different schedules, high schools, and colleges, but what made this friendship so strong was the mutual support and dedication we all contributed to remaining friends and our families remaining friends as well.

18. The Amish Country taught me: "Peace and simplicity are good every once in a while."

The Amish Country located in Lancaster, PA is an amazing place to visit, filled with farms, shops, farmer's markets, and petting zoos. There is just something about this place that is peaceful and simple and makes everyday life and stress stop for just a little while. This has to be one of my favorite places in the world.

19. The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) taught me: "No matter where you go in this world, it will always be better with your family at your side."

I visited the Spanish Steps located in Rome, Italy and it was one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Sitting on those steps with my parents and brother made me realize something: you can travel the whole world and see some amazing things, but they will never be experienced in the same way with your family there to see it with you.