So recently I celebrated my nineteenth birthday and something immediately dawned on me...this is officially my last year as a teen. Although nineteen and twenty are kind of the awful, in-between ages, they are still very important milestones that everyone should acknowledge!
Because I know when I'm fifty I'll definitely be wishing I was nineteen or twenty again, here is a list of 20 things I think everyone should try before they are officially considered grown-ups.
1. Go Electronic Free for 24 Hours
Considering our generation is so dependent on our iPhones, this might be easier said than done, but it's possible! Read a book before you buy it on DVD, explore the great outdoors and go for a hike, or simply enjoy the company of your friends and family.
2. Learn a New Language
Have you ever wondered if your foreign friends are talking about you right in front of your face while you were completely oblivious? Who hasn't. With the U.S. becoming more and more diverse, what better way to branch out than becoming fluent in a new language?
3. Take a Road-trip
Pack a bag, grab a friend(s), and just hop in a car and drive. Explore the unexpected. Be spontaneous. You’ll have a blast.
4. Dance in the Rain
This is something that will make you feel so free and unexpectedly giddy. Sure you may get sick, but WHATEVER. YOLO. So next time it rains, get up, run outside, and dance like a crazy person in the down-pour. ALSO: be sure to grab a friend/significant other....they will make it even better.
5. Try Something New
Whether it be food or even an activity, growing older is all about experiencing new things. Take a risk and get out of your comfort zone!
6. Travel
Extremely cliche, but someday we will be forced to enter the cold and lonely "real world" and will be left with absolutely no time to see the world. Now's the time to take advantage of our youth, and go somewhere we've never gone before!
7. Become Independent
After 19 years depending on our parents, I think it's time we branch off and do our own thing. Make decisions on your own, and don't let others influence you so heavily. Go on dates by yourself, do something you enjoy, and rely on no one but yourself.
8. Learn to Cook
Because ramen noodles and microwaved meals just aren't cutting it anymore...Think back to a meal you remember your mom making? Stop being lazy and make it yourself!
9. Go Camping
The thought of being outdoors for several days without a proper shower personally makes me nauseous, but it's the experience that counts, right? Whether its for a music festival, or just for fun, grab a group of friends, pitch some tents, make s'mores, and have fun!
10. Read a Book. Or 10.
Instead of focusing so much on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, expand your horizons and make it a goal to finish a good book.
11. Get in Shape
Although you may have dodged the freshmen fifteen, it's not going to be avoidable forever. Get a gym membership, (and actually use it).
12. Eat Organic for a Week
No, this won't be as bad as it sounds. Eating organic is beneficial in more ways than one. You'd be surprised at the number of tasty organic treats out there.
13. Make a Difference
Organize a fundraiser, help your community in any way that you can. Doing good feels good.
14. Face Your Fears
Ride a roller-coaster, kill your first spider; overcome something you never thought you would.
15. Meet New People
College is where you meet some of your best friends. Put yourself out there, and get to know different people.
16. Adopt a Pet
A big responsibility...but SO.FREAKING.CUTE.
17. Get Involved
Join a club at school, participate in a sport, find a new hobby you enjoy. Getting involved is the best way to stay active and meet new people!
18. Get. A. Job.
and hate yourself for it later. Seriously though...any job.
19. Work Hard
Always remember that you can do anything you set your mind to. Set a goal and do whatever it takes to reach it. Stay focused, and do your best. It may not come easy but it'll all be worth it in the end!
20. Spend a Full Day Doing Absolutely Nothing
Because after all this...you definitely deserve it.
