I turn 19 this week, and I can honestly say that I've learned a lot in my past 18 years and 362 days. From the simple things like how to do laundry and not change my whites to reds, to things such as knowing it's okay to fail, or that sometimes you need to lose a friend to gain another one. It's crazy how much you can learn in such a short amount of time, not just academic related things, but things that will be important throughout your entire life. So, here are the 19 most important, relevant, and kind of funny things I've learned in my past 19 years.
1. How to make a pancake (It may not be round, but at least it's not burnt.)
I'm not as good as this guy, but I'm getting there. Kind of.
2. What clothes belong in the dryer versus the ones that don't belong in the dryer.
RIP to all the shirts I shrunk while I tried to learn this.
3. Sleep. Wherever. Whenever.
4. Paying attention in class is actually really helpful even if the online shopping seems so much more interesting at the time.
5. Although I look like a fish out of water at the gym, it's important to keep up a regular schedule to stay in good shape.
6. Everything happens for a reason-good or bad, it just does.
7. I usually don't like it when it happens, but Mom is always right.
8. Take nothing for granted. One day it could be here, and the next day it could be gone.
9. Eat the ice cream -- in moderation.
Just because I know this doesn't mean I actually do it. Four scoops per night is moderation, right?
10. Sometimes, it's better to not be like everyone else.
11. And sometimes, it's better to fail than to succeed. You can learn more that way.
12. Appreciate the friends who stick by your side through the good and the bad, because those are your truest friends.
13. Say hi to anyone and everyone, even if you sit across the room from them in class and you never speak.
A little hi could make anyone's day.
14. You don't always have to hide your feelings. If you're sad, cry it out.
If you're happy, laugh it out.
15. Just because I can't sing, doesn't mean that I shouldn't.
The same applies for dancing.
16. The best things in life are the most unexpected and least planned.
17. You don't have to always look like you walked straight off a runway.
But throwing on a little bit of mascara and combing your hair is something you should try to do daily.
18. To appreciate my parents.
Even though I didn't realize it then, I realize it now -- talking to them on the phone is nowhere near the same as chatting over the dinner table.
19. Live life to the fullest, take each opportunity, and always try your hardest at everything you ever do.
This is an extra, but necessary one: I learned that being a Villanova Wildcat is pretty great.
Because not only are we national champs, but getting to be part of a school so amazing, is pretty cool, too.
