In less than a month, I'll be celebrating my long-awaited 21st birthday. Because of this, I've had nearly twenty-one years to pick up a variety of knowledge and plenty of time to reflect on it so in honor of my almost 21 years on Earth, here are 21 things that everyone should know by the time they turn 21.
1. How to do your own laundry
This seems like a simple one, but it's surprising/ terrifying how many college students in their twenties have no clue how to use a washer and dryer. It's not that hard, you guys.
2. How to cook
You're an adult now. You can't live off microwavable foods anymore and expect to be okay.
3. How to clean
Clean. Do dishes. Don't let mold grow in your shower. Throw your clothes in a basket rather than the floor. It's basic stuff. If your mom would have a heart attack after seeing your apartment then you should probably crank up some tunes and get to vacuuming.
4. How to drink
Congrats! You can drink legally now! Don't make an ass out of yourself at the bar like you normally do at frat houses and apartment parties. Figure out what your limit is and don't cross it unless you want to spend the night in the dreaded drunk tank.
5. How to do taxes
Once again, we're adults now and while it's super comforting to know you can drive to your parents' house, shed a few tears, and guilt your dad into doing them for you -- you won't learn anything and it won't help you once you get into the *gulp* real world.
6. How to create an effective resume
Your resume that you made using a Microsoft Word template is cute, but it won't hold too much water in the real world.
7. How to build your credit (without maxing out a credit card before you're even out of college)
Credit cards and the Devil's form of currency. Unfortunately, building credit is necessary in order to apply for things such as apartments, cars, and even cable services. Make sure you get secure one of those coveted pieces of plastic, but don't get crazy. Buy a coffee or a pack of gum once or twice a month and pay it off immediately.
8) The difference between "you're" and "your"
"You're" means "You are." "Your" is possessive.
9. The difference between "their," "there," and "they're"
"Their" is possessive. "There" refers to a place. "They're" means "They are."
10. The difference between "to," "too," and "two"
"Too" means "also." "Two" is a number. "To" works for everything else.
11. The difference between "breathe" and "breath"
"Breathe" is a verb. "Breath" is what comes out when you breathe.
12. How to be responsible
Can you get yourself up in the morning? Can you get yourself to class? Can you do your homework without anyone telling you? If the answer is yes, then awesome. If the answer is no, then you need to figure some things out.
13. Basic hygiene
Brush your teeth. Shower daily. Don't be a gross mess. It's easy.
14. How to talk to people
Get to know your professors, your classmates, your bosses- these people can be friends, mentors, or job connections. Never underestimate the value of knowing people.
15. How to go to sleep early
Staying up all night is fun, but going to sleep earlier will make you a better, happier, more alert person all the way around. You're an adult now, you need to sleep.
16. How to be a friend
Friendship goes both ways. You can't be all about yourself all of the time and expect your friends to stick around
17. How to not get offended so easily
We're in college. We're here to get our views challenged, to learn, to open our minds to new cultures and people and experiences. You don't have to get huffy every time someone doesn't see eye to eye with you.
18. How to have self-control
You see a puppy that's being given away for free. It's so cute with it's big brown eyes and wagging tail. You know you don't have a job or money, and your apartment doesn't allow pets, but you take the dog anyway because -- free puppy! Considering the fact that either your landlord is going to evict you or you're going to have to give up the puppy because you can't afford it, this really wasn't the best decision, now was it?
19. How to save money
Life isn't all liquor and CookOut. If it is for you, then you're probably broke. Learn how to budget your money. Make a spreadsheet that shows where your money goes to. Put money aside for a rainy day.
20. How to be a good person
Don't say something mean on Yik Yak just because you can. Don't make fun of the chunky girl in your math class behind her back just because she can't hear you. Be kind and treat everyone well whether they deserve it or not. You'll find that you're a happier, more positive person and you'll enjoy life much more.
21. How to live
It's not easy to be twenty-one, but you're never going to be as young or as free as you are now. Make every day an adventure, learn all you can about everything, choose a major that you love, surround yourself with amazing people... it sounds cheesy but this is it. At 21, you're finally free to do whatever you want, whenever you want to do it. Use that freedom wisely.
If you don't already know everything on this list, don't fret. It's never to late to make yourself a better person. After all, while twenty-one may officially feel like the end of your childlike days, it's just the beginning of an even better chapter of your life.
