The first thing I noticed about being away from home was that not all people are raised the same way or taught the same things I was growing up. I was used to growing up with people who were very similar to how I was, mostly based on how we were raised and because of what our parents taught us. Being away at school has shown me that not everyone grew up the same way, and not everyone has learned the same things from their parents. Although I was raised differently than others, I wouldn't change how I was raised or what I was taught for anything. Here are 20 valuable things I learned from my parents:

1. The only person you can change is yourself

2. Every dog has their day

(AKA karma)

3. You have to put money in to take money out

The most valuable banking lesson I've ever learned.

4. How to jumpstart a car

Thanks dad for the diagram you drew and kept in my car for me.

^me if I didn't know how to

5. Nobody’s perfect

(but I've gotta work it)

6. Please and thank you will get you further than you think

7. It’s okay to make mistakes

8. You don’t need to tell your parents everything

They don't need to know every little detail about your personal life, just the important things.

9. Family first

10. Own up to your actions

If you did something, take responsibility for it. You cannot blame what you do on everyone or everything else.

11. Stand up for yourself

No one is going to do it for you.

12. Do what you think is right…

13. …Even if everyone else thinks it’s wrong

Don't be a follower; listen to yourself and follow your intuition.

14. Hard work pays off in the long run

Even when all of your friends are going out, you'll be much more relieved during the week when you don't have as much work to do.

15. It’s okay to fail

16. Treat people with kindness

You never know what's going on in a person's life.

17. Ask for help

No question is a dumb question.

18. Keep your head up

Even when it seems like the worst possible thing is happening, it can only get better.

19. Never be ashamed of who you are

20. No matter what, they’ll always be on my side

I love you Mom and Dad, I wouldn't be me if it weren't for you.