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21 Things I Experienced Before I Turned 21

Fun, fun, 21!!!

Katrina Roshak

Jan 08, 2019

Shippensburg University

797

21 Things I Experienced Before I Turned 21

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In honor of turning 21 on January 4th, I decided to compile a list of things I've done before I turned 21. It made me reflect on life and cherish all the amazing memories I've made so far.

1. Traveled out of the country.

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I first went out of the country when I was only in fourth grade. I went to the Philippines to visit my family there. It was absolutely beautiful and I can't wait to go again.

2. Adopted a dog.

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I adopted my first dog when I was 15. Her name was Gigi and was a beagle/basset hound mix. Unfortunately, she died within a few months because she got hit by a car. RIP Gigi.

3. Got my second dog.

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I got my second dog, Coco, shortly after Gigi died. Coco is still going strong after 6.5 years!

4. Went on the Mayon Volcano in the Philippines.

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While I was in the Philippines, I went on the Mayon Volcano. For those who don't know, the Mayon Volcano is still active. When I was there, it erupted just a month before.

5. Hit a deer with my Dad's car.

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This occurred when I was picking up my parents from the airport. I wasn't even 20 minutes from the house when a deer ran right in front of me. Luckily, I was able to drive back home to get another ride.

6. Saw how Tillamook cheese was made.

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When I went to Tillamook Oregon, I saw how Tillamook cheese and ice cream was made. I loved this experience because I was with my family from Oregon who I don't get to see a lot.

7. Asked my boss for a raise and got it.

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This is one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. Asking for a raise was definitely nerve wrecking but I ended up getting the raise.

8. Learned how to ride a motorcycle and obtained my license.

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Learning to ride a motorcycle was one of the funnest things I've done. Being able to buy my own bike and get my license all in the same year was a huge accomplishment for me.

9. Got 6 tattoos.

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I got my first tattoo when I was 18. It was an outline of a heart and it was smaller than an inch. I now have a total of 6 tattoos and 4 of them are on my left arm.

10. Got over 20 piercings.

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I love piercings. I got my ears pierced when I was 6 months old and I blame that on my piercing addiction. I've had about 20 holes poked through me and most of them are still there.

11. Fell in love.

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I fell in love when I was young. Lucky for me, I'm still with that same person.

14. Never got in trouble with the law (Thank God).

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Made it to 21 with no underages! Woo! How many of y'all can say that?

13. Interned for a government contractor.

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I intern for a government contractor. They took me in when I was only a Freshman and turned me into the business woman I am today.

12. Experienced a UFC Fight in Brooklyn, NY.

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I saw UFC 223 with my boyfriend in Brooklyn. We stayed there for the weekend, saw the fight, and explored the city.

15. Got diagnosed with depression.

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I got diagnosed with depression when I was about 12 years old. I was put on medication and was in and out of therapy for a really long time. Happy to say I have been off medication for over a year now.

17. Sang the Filipino and American National Anthem in front of over 100 people.

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When I was younger, I loved to sing. I took singing and piano lessons throughout grade school. For a Filipino-American Christmas party I volunteered to sing the Filipino and American National Anthems. It was super nerve wrecking but it felt so accomplishing.

16. Lost my Grandparents.

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I lost my Grandparents at a very young age. They lived far away so I didn't get to see them often. Although, I didn't get to spend a lot of time with them, the memories I do have are wonderful.

18. Went to many concerts.

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I've been to a good amount of concerts in my time. I've seen Avenged Sevenfold, Alice in Chains, The Offspring, Ghost, Slayer, and so many other bands.

19. Visited 17 states.

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I have visited 17 out of 50 states. One day I'll make it to all 50!

20. Became an Auntie.

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I became an Auntie when I was only 3 years old. I now have 7 nieces and nephews and they're amazing!

21. Learned to live a healthier lifestyle.

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The most valuable thing I learned throughout the years was to live a healthy lifestyle. About 2 years ago, I started going to the gym. Now, I still go to the gym, do yoga, and eat healthy. I know this will help me in the long run.

The past 21 years have been amazing. I have learned so much throughout the years. I am thankful for all the experiences and opportunities I have been given. Happy Birthday to me!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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21 Things I Experienced Before I Turned 21

Fun, fun, 21!!!

1. Traveled out of the country.

2. Adopted a dog.

3. Got my second dog.

4. Went on the Mayon Volcano in the Philippines.

5. Hit a deer with my Dad's car.

6. Saw how Tillamook cheese was made.

7. Asked my boss for a raise and got it.

8. Learned how to ride a motorcycle and obtained my license.

9. Got 6 tattoos.

10. Got over 20 piercings.

11. Fell in love.

14. Never got in trouble with the law (Thank God).

13. Interned for a government contractor.

12. Experienced a UFC Fight in Brooklyn, NY.

15. Got diagnosed with depression.

17. Sang the Filipino and American National Anthem in front of over 100 people.

16. Lost my Grandparents.

18. Went to many concerts.

19. Visited 17 states.

20. Became an Auntie.

21. Learned to live a healthier lifestyle.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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