A person can learn a lot in two decades, and here I am about to embark on the huge jump from ages 19 to 20. Thinking about it, I could honestly write a book about all of the things that I've learned during my time here on earth, but here are just 20 things that I've learned by the age of 20.
1. You need to accept that everything happens for a reason.
When everything is falling apart and life is just not going your way, know that this feeling is not permanent. It always gets better.
2. Patience
Even though you can always use more!
3. You can't please everyone.
Not everyone is going to like you and not everyone is going to agree with your opinions or ideas and that's OK.
4. Family is everything.
Your parents may make you wanna rip your hair out sometimes, but in the end, they're always the ones that you go to for anything.
5. Your siblings really do become your best friends.
You can ignore mom all you want when she tells you that you and your siblings are going to be super close one day, but here I am still over three years younger than all of my siblings and I'm as close as ever with them.
6. Some people will always suck.
You will always have people that you don't get along with, and like I said before, you can't please everyone!
7. ... especially boys.
Boys will always be a frustrating and annoying topic, but don't worry, the right guy will come. But in the meantime, it's OK to be single.
8. Exercise is always necessary.
The freshmen 15 does exist, trust me.
9. Everyone goes through tough times in life, so always act with kindness.
You never know what someone is going through in their private life, so always treat others as you would want to be treated.
10. Always go to class.
It's a waste of money to miss a lecture, so what's the point?
11. It's possible to become best friends with someone in a month.
Some people will come into your life and make a huge impact on it within a matter of weeks. Always befriend new people, you just might end up surprising yourself.
12. Ice cream and pizza does not cure sadness, but it damn well helps.
Sometimes all you need is a pint of Ben and Jerry's Half-Baked, your bed and Netflix to get over a rough day.
13. It's OK to talk about your school a lot.
You take pride in your school, so show it!
14. Money, in fact, does not grow on trees.
Going into college I had over $1000 in my savings and coming out I had $200. Don't spend all your money at one place, save it for a rainy day.
15. It's OK to be addicted to your phone, just make sure you make some time for outside world interaction.
Social media is like a necessity in today's society and technology is taking over. It's OK to spend a lot of time on your phone, but every once in awhile, turn off the screen, go outside and enjoy the fresh air.
16. Always say thank you and hold the doors open for people.
You never know what kind of day someone is having. Simple things such as saying thank you, holding the door open for people and even smiling at someone could make their day.
17. It's OK to cry.
On nights where you have tons of homework, you've been working late and you're not feeling well, all you need is a good cry to let out all of the emotions and stress that has built up.
18. Respecting others is so important.
In order to receive respect, you must treat others with respect!
19. Respecting yourself is even more important.
Respecting yourself is a major key in being happy with your life, so always take good care of your mental, emotional and physical health.
20. You don't have your life together and that's fine.
Even though it took me awhile to figure out, it's OK that I don't know what I want to do with my life or where I see myself in 10 years. It's all about the present and how you make the best of life right now.
I have 10 years of my 20s ahead of me and I can't wait to see the new lessons I learn in the future.
