Nineteen is a weird age. You don’t quite feel like an adult yet, but you’re far from being a child. At nineteen, you’re getting ready to say goodbye to your teenage years forever, and hello to your 20’s (which, by the way, is as scary as it sounds). By nineteen, you’ve survived high school and are probably in your first or second year of college. Here are 19 things I’ve learned by age 19:
1. Time FLIES. Do not waste your time on people and things that won’t be around for the long run.
2. Love yourself. This will make everyday so much easier.
3. Find great friends and cling to them. A good group of friends will be your most important asset.
4. Establish your priorities early on and stick to them. You can thank me later.
5. Don’t rely on others for your happiness. Chances are, you’ll be let down more often than not.
6. Make time for your parents, grandparents, siblings, etc. They’re getting older too, and sadly they won’t be around forever.
7. You get what you pay for. I never experienced this until I came to college and started opting for the cheaper items to save some money. Price reflects quality!
8. You will not get along with everyone. That is okay.
9. Always be friendly. You never know what somebody else is going through, one act of kindness can change a person’s day.
10. Build a great support system. Having people in your corner makes difficult times so much easier. You'll be eternally grateful for these people.
11. Be mindful of what you spend money on. Whether it’s yours or your parents’, money does not grow on trees.
12. Always (re: ALWAYS) bring a jacket. Once again, you can thank me later.
13. Do what makes you happy. Don’t pay mind to what others think, this is your life and you should live it however you please.
14. It’s okay to not know what you want to do with your life just yet. Find something you love and run with it.
15. Take care of yourself. Be mindful of what you’re putting into your body. Find time to exercise. You’ll appreciate it down the road.
16. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. It is important to stick to your values and stand up for what you believe in. Don’t be a bystander.
17. Everyday is a new day. Reconcile with the past, but move on. Do not hold on to things that you cannot change.
18. Your grades/test scores do not define you. Yes, it is important to work hard in school but nobody is perfect. Do not let one bad grade ruin you.
19. Everything happens for a reason. I don’t care how cliché this sounds, no matter what gets thrown your way; trust that everything will work out how it’s supposed to.
