Growing up is exciting -- meeting new people, traveling to new places, learning new things, and so much more. Eighteen was a life changing year; I was officially an adult, went off to college and learned how to be independent. Here are the important things I have learned in my 19 years:
1. Be happy. Plain and simple. Life is too short to be anything but happy.
2. Don't worry over the small things.
3. Travel: to a new river 30 minutes down the road or to a new country, get out there!
4. Love yourself. You only have one body, take care of it.
5. Everything happens for a reason, even though not everything will make sense.
6. Don't take family and friends for granted. Love them, hug them, talk to them.
7. I don't know everything. I may think I do, but I don't.
8. Save your money. It's nice to treat yourself every once in a while but saving money is important.
9. Follow your gut feeling. Usually when you have a strong feeling about something, follow it.
10. Try new things. Don't be boring.
11. Be kind. Kindness is key, you never know what other people are going through.
12. Have fun.
13. Not everyone will stay in your life. Time and circumstances change.
14. You can't get everything you want. It's just not how life works.
15. Don't expect too much. Expectations can hurt, keep it simple.
16. Follow your dreams. People are always going to try to hold you down, but you need to do what you want to do.
17. Parents will always be the biggest supporters. In my case they are also my best friends.
18. Give thanks. Give thanks to those who help you.
19. Breathe. Take a second and breathe.
Life has had its ups and downs. I know I just turned 19, but I feel like these are some of the most valuable things I have learned in life so far. I am so excited to see where this next chapter at the University of New Hampshire takes me. I just want to thank my parents -- I don't know where I would be today without my parents supporting me every step of the way.
