Lately, I've noticed a trend on YouTube. Much like "the boyfriend tag" and other tags that have surfaced on the Internet, there's an advice tag based on the amount of years lived on this planet. What a cool concept; people can use their experience to open the eyes of those younger than them. I know this isn't the first post of its type, but if my words can help even one person out there, then I have succeeded. So, here we go—19 things I've learned at 19:

1. Cutting out carbs won’t make you skinny; it’ll make you cranky.
2. Always say yes to exploring new places.
3. Also, always say yes to wine.
4. Don’t buy expensive cleanses; they probably won’t work. Just eat clean and workout.
5. Surrounding yourself with people who truly understand you is crazy important. If you can’t tell your best friends everything, find new best friends.
6. Your mom is right. Just listen to her.
7. Even if your dad makes goofy jokes, he’s really cool at heart, so spend time with him.
8. There are always going to be people who have more than you. Stop comparing yourself to them. There are also always going to be people with less, so in the grand scheme of things you’re lucky.
9. Don’t stick with a job you hate.
10. Cherish your pets; they don’t live forever.
11. The above point applies to all living things.
12. You should never feel obligated to sleep with someone.
13. It’s okay if you feel like spending the night watching Netflix in bed instead of going out.
14. Sometimes it is acceptable to discuss religion and politics. Just choose your audience carefully.
15. You’re going to get a parking ticket at some point, so just take a deep breath when it happens, pay it, and move on.
16. Keep in touch with your friends from summer camp. The bond you have with them is unparalleled.
17. Tip well at restaurants. Even though I’m a firm believer that the restaurant should be in charge of paying their employees instead of the customers (rant for another day), you could potentially make someone’s day with that extra dollar.
18. Appreciate college while it’s happening. We quite literally only have one responsibility: get good grades. Once these years end, they're not coming back.
19. Last but not least, start the journey towards accepting yourself and maybe even loving yourself. This comes easier for some people than others. But if, like me, confidence is something you have to learn, my advice is to go for it.