Your 20's are supposedly the best years of your life. I couldn't wait to leave my teenage years behind me and proudly declare myself a 20-something. Although I by no means have it figured out, here are 20 things I've learned from turning 20.
1. We live in a constant state of change and growth.
I can say without question that I’m a very different person than I was at the beginning of this year. Every moment, every relationship, every challenge, and success helps to shape us and helps us to grow. I learned this year to embrace change… because it is unavoidable and always looming for better or worse.
2. How to adult.
This one’s for you, Mom! Yes… this year I learned how to remove red wine stains, perfectly grill chicken, fix a pilot light, successfully accomplish spring cleaning and find the fastest Chinese delivery in Clifton, Ohio.
3. Freshman year friendships are very different than sophomore year friendships.
Maybe it’s the freedom of living off campus. Maybe it’s not having to eat in the dining hall together every night. Maybe it’s that the novelty of having your friends at arms length constantly wears off. See No. 1. It doesn’t mean my sophomore friendships aren’t any less meaningful… actually i’d say the opposite. They’re just different. And that’s OK!
4. You can’t expect other people to respect you if you don’t respect yourself.
Love yourself. It’s easier said than done… but life is too short to be your biggest critic.Remind yourself of how awesome you are. You’re you. That’s awesome!
5. College relationships are far more complicated than High School relationships.
The days of simple pizza dates and making out during ’13 Going on 30’ are long gone. I’ve found that the older you get, the more complicated dating gets. I’ve also found that girls are way more mature than guys, but we already knew that. But, I’ve also learned that college relationships are far more fulfilling. Pros and Cons.
6. Eat the pizza.
Yolo.
7. Workout!
You’ll be happier. You’ll be healthier. You’ll feel good about yourself. You wont feel guilty about the pizza.
8. Don’t feel bad about not wanting to party.
College has this reputation as being the time to throw back shots and dance the night away. However, there’s no right way to do college. If you’d rather sit in with a book or Netflix, there’s nothing wrong with that. Do you.
9. Don’t do things just because it’s what other people are doing.
You’re your own unique person. Don’t follow the crowd because you feel like you won’t be liked or cool. Real friends will like you for who you are.
10. Surround yourself with people that make you feel good.
They say that you become like the five people you spend the most time with. Be with people that influence you in positive ways. Hang out with people that make you laugh, that think you’re awesome.
11. Work hard.
Really work your butt off. You will feel so accomplished if you spend that extra 20 minutes in the practice rooms or on that paper for english class. You’re in college to learn and grow and be educated. Don’t take it for granted.
12. Not everyone will like you all the time.
Spending so much energy on the need to be liked gets exhausting. I did everything in my power to please people freshman year. Again, your real friends will like you for you. You don’t want to hang around the people who don't think you’re awesome, anyway. Plus, nobody is perfect.
13. Nobody is perfect.
Strive for excellence, not perfection. Perfection is impossible. Excellence can be achieved with hard work, determination, and positive energy.
14. Meet new people.
Sometimes your best friends will be found outside of your primary circle of peers. It just widens your friend group and gives you a broader and more fulfilling personal life.
15. You’re not cool.
What does ‘cool’ mean? Why should that ever be a goal? Drop it.
16. Clean your apartment every Sunday night.
It literally makes starting the week SO MUCH BETTER.
17. Try and make more ‘home cooked’ meals.
Ask your Mom for your favorite recipes and try to replicate them. There’s nothing better than comfort food after a bad day.
18. Don’t fight with your parents.
You’re far away from home and striving to be an independent, functioning human being. Don’t be ashamed to ask for help. They want what’s best for you. Fighting is senseless and isn’t worth the stress or energy—especially since it is probably over something dumb.
19. Carry pepper spray.
It makes me feel safer and is kind of self empowering to know you can defend yourself if you ever need to.
20. You’re doing just fine.
You’re 20. You’re not even close to finished. You’re still figuring it all out. You’re doing just fine.
