I can officially buy all of the wine that my bank account will allow because I recently celebrated the last “fun” birthday that I’ll have for awhile. Last year when I turned 20, I had a slight existential crisis about entering my twenties. I always thought that people in their 20s had their sh*t together, as in working, getting married, and having babies. For me, that was terrifying. Was I really going to figure that all out in the next 10 years? I had spent the better part of the last two decades tying my shoes with bunny ears; how was I supposed to become an actual adult? But, that also got me thinking. I’ve learned a lot in the past two decades, and I know I have many more lessons to learn, but here’s a sampling of what I’ve learned so far:
1. If you thought high school went by quickly, college feels like it moves at hyper speed.
2. Sometimes, your mom actually is right. I know, it’s painful, but go with it. You’ll thank me (and her) later.
3. Just because the guy is cute doesn’t mean he won’t be a jerk. To my mathematical calculations, the cuter the guy, the sooner he ghosts you.
4. Family is not always blood-related.
5. It’s okay for your life plan to change…even more times than you can count on one hand.
6.It’s also okay to need to spend time alone, whether that be locking yourself away on a Netflix binge for a night or taking a hiatus from dating.
7. Enjoy every torturous second of being a teenager and young adulthood because real adulthood approaches far too quickly (I’m not even there yet, but it moves closer every day).
8. Finding close friends in college will take time, but it will happen. Welcome these people as your extended family.
9. However, don’t forget your high school best friends when you’re in different states.
10. Never feel guilty for removing toxic people from your life or seeking help for mental illness. Neither are shameful acts.
11. Enjoy the random moments with friends, as these usually lead to the best memories later on.
12. A “B” on an exam or in a class won’t kill you, especially if it means that your sanity stays intact.
13. Have no regrets about changing your major, or rearranging your schedule to work best with your study schedule. You’ll thank yourself later.
14. Until you know your limits, make sure you always have one good friend with you when you go out.
15. Sometimes, a phone call to your mom really can solve all of your problems.
16. Sleeping in on a weekend still seems to be the best cure for anything.
17. Friendships may evolve or dissipate over time, and that’s okay.
18. Watching your friends and siblings grow up will be a surreal but exciting experience.
19. Maintaining good relationships with high school teachers and college professors may be the key to finding a job later in life.
20. ALWAYS charge your phone before bed.
21. And sometimes, you just need to roll with the punches.
