We have all heard that, “hindsight is 20/20” or the ever popular “ I wish I had known then what I know now.” In light of my 21st birthday, I have decided to interview some people about the advice they would give their younger selves. Being a young adult can be difficult, and many times we feel generations before us do not understand what it is like to live life now. It is true, that life is not the same as it was twenty years ago, however, people continue to make the same mistakes as the generations before. History has a way of repeating itself. I hope that this article brings some peace of mind to young adults; it is all going to be ok, because life goes on. I interviewed twenty-one individuals whose ages range from 24- 76. The most important advice individuals would give themselves is to go to college or even continue with their education. All of these individuals come from different walks of life, yet life has handed them all similar cards. Here are 21 pieces of advice from individuals who have experienced the highs and lows of life:

1. “Money is not as important as your education. Also, DO NOT believe most of what a man tells you, especially at this age.”

2. “Wait till you are older to get married-find yourself first, and get a career”

3. “Get your priorities straight. Get closer to God. Try not to be so high-tempered and don’t be so trusting- it leads to MANY disappointments."

4. “Go to college, and really get to KNOW Jesus.”

5. “Stay in school, so you can get a better job in the future.”

6. “Make yourself happy.”

7. “DO NOT drink and drive. Be RESPONSIBLE, know you can ALWAYS call your parents for help-anytime- night or day.”

8.“Don’t get married so young. Get a good education and don’t turn down no women… go with all of them.”

9. “Stay in school and get a degree. Don’t start partying.”

10. “Finish college!! You WILL mess up royally if you bail out!”

11. “Get a job that pays, also get used to no groceries ASAP. Oh yeah! Invest in cattle and 24k gold is best in a return value.”

12. “Enjoy life, do what you really love, be close to people that love you for who you are… and have more sex!”

13. “ Stay more financially responsible and save money for college. SLOW DOWN and appreciate the things you have and NOT wish for what others have. Learn to say ‘no’ more often.”

14. “Be true to yourself, learn everything possible, and trust in God. Don’t take life too seriously.”

15. “Stay in school. Don’t be foolish. Don’t worry about dating and DON’T drink! Oh! And pay your bills or they will come back to haunt you!”

16. “Getting an education is the MOST important thing.”

17. “Keep dodging those bullets.”

18. “Time is all in a haze.”

19. “If you have to sneak it, IT IS wrong."

20. “I would think more about me, and live the life I long to live and NEVER live like others wanted me to live. Live the most of every second of my life as if they were the last moments of my life without judgment of my life- just to live, live, live!”

21. "Don't get a tattoo of Donald Duck smoking a joint on your arm. Make good decisions.All decisions you make could potentially affect the rest of your life."

22. “ Start putting back 5% of each check and DON’T touch it. Do not let anyone come between you and your dearest friends, and find a job to use your brain-not your brawn. Realize when to say when you’re in love, also no matter how hard you want it… it is not always meant to work out.“

23. "Go to class, even when you don't feel like it. Do not frat party during finals week. Don't sleep with a married man. Stay modest. Even when it seems exhilarating, keep your clothes on because your 24 year old self will blush every time you see someone that has seen you naked...."