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22 Things I've Learned In My 22 Years You'll Relate To, Too, As Long As You're Feelin' 22

In the wise words of Taylor Swift; I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' 22!

Jillian Monczynski

Mar 31, 2019

Bowling Green State University

463

22 Things I've Learned In My 22 Years You'll Relate To, Too, As Long As You're Feelin' 22

Jillian Monczynski

Today is my 22nd birthday, so what more fitting article to write than some things I've learned along the way. Lately, I've been reflecting on the hidden blessings that come with lessons learned throughout my years living on Earth. Some of the roughest moments in my life has lead me to the most wonderful things and people.

The world is a funny place, but celebrating my birthday, I wanted to write about lessons which stuck out; some funny and some that have shaped me for success along the way.

1. Life is short

How ironic, right? I've lost friends who've had their life taken from that way, way too soon. Every year I'm so grateful

2. After turning 21, birthdays aren't as cool

I didn't believe anyone till it happened to me. I think the highlight of this birth year is I can play Taylor Swift's "22" on repeat. All. Weekend. Long.

3. There's nothing more attractive than a SMILE

Being happy is contagious! I love being the one beam of light in a dark room. By this I mean, in a world of negativity and hate, be the light. Positivity is beautiful, positivity is bright. It makes others around you happy. Take a deep breath, smile and try it!

4. When booking flights, double and TRIPLE check the departure times

Nothing worse than spending $400 on a flight to Vegas for the weekend, think you're going home by noon on Sunday and in reality, you leave at midnight. Just change the flight departure time, you said? That will be another $300. Just saying...

5. In a world with leggings and jean, always pick leggings

It makes life so much more comfy.

6. Don't be afraid of ending a relationship in fear of being alone

While we are here, also do not let other people's opinions guide what decisions you make. You are your own person, you make decisions on what makes you happy. If it isn't putting harm on anyone, other people's opinions shouldn't matter and shouldn't determine your decisions and happiness.

7. The only thing that can cure a broken heart is time

I know it hurts now, but time will cure the pain eventually.

8. Don't stress over what you can't control

My dad continuously reminds me of this when I'm having a crisis. If you can't control it, do not waste your time and energy stressing over it. Everything always works out.

9. Cheez Itz are better than Gold Fish

Obviously?

10. Owning a puppy is similar to having a baby

Don't even get me started — just trust me. They poop and pee on the floors, are not potty trained, chew up your new shoes, get into things they shouldn't be and all around trouble-makers (but adorably cute!)

11. Being unemployed after graduation is perfectly normal

Yes, there are students who have already landed a job. Yes, there are hundreds and thousands of other students who aren't employed out of college. I'm sure we all share that same anxiety, stress, and pressure, but with time and patience, the right opportunity will appear.

12. Blood is thicker than water

This is something I've always heard growing up. Simply put, family is forever and will always be on your side. Friends, however, even the ones you thought would always be by your side, may not always be in the long run. Personally, I have gone through this and learned the hard way. I'm very grateful for my family.

13. The sheer feeling of accomplishment after fulfilling a pen's full life

Are you confused? Well, a ballpoint pen or any pen for that matter has a certain about of ink before it is useless. Using said pen till the ink runs out? Super satisfying.

14. Ice cream cake trumps regular cake

This rule only applies if my grandma's homemade cassata cake isn't involved in the competition. If that is the case, we must go back to the reevaluation stage. I'll try all three for good measures.

15. Owning a plant is super fun

I own an aloe plant, she is the best. I always have killed all plants I've own in the past, but my aloe has grown beautifully. It makes me feel like I have my life together, even if it's just a little bit. Especially watching it grow over time!

16. Money isn't everything, but it sure can help many things

No, you don't need money to be happy, find love or your purpose. Although, money will solve poverty, hunger, paying your bills on time, etc. I don't have all the money in the world and if I had more it would benefit me in different aspects of my life. Sometimes, though, it's important to look around and be grateful for the things and people in front of you.

17. Yes, your parents were right

Truly about everything... but if they ask I didn't admit it.

18. Mixing liquors will end you

I learned this a year ago from today. For my legal drinkers out there, just stick to one family (i.e. vodka, rum, whiskey, etc.) and stay with that for the night. Your stomach and head will thank you the next morning.

19. Picky eaters get better with time and confidence

Hi, my name is Jillian Monczynski, former most picky eater ever. I finally decided to man-up and try different foods and I love them! To my other fellow picky eaters, don't be afraid! You could be missing out on your favorite meals.

20. "Men are like busses, one leaves and the next one is around the corner"

In the wise words of my grandma Fran, men come and go all the time. If you got your heart broken recently or maybe feel like you'll be alone for forever — don't. The next one is on the way. (This goes for ladies as well!)

21. Don't wish away your college years

I have about a month and a half left. I never want to graduate or leave my pals. *Sobs profusely*

22. The cool kids wake up early, not go to bed super late

Obviously, there is some humor with this one, considering I haven't fully gotten the hang of this yet. Waking up early gives you so much time and maximum productivity. Wake up, grab your coffee and get things done!

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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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22 Things I've Learned In My 22 Years You'll Relate To, Too, As Long As You're Feelin' 22

In the wise words of Taylor Swift; I don't know about you, but I'm feelin' 22!

1. Life is short

2. After turning 21, birthdays aren't as cool

3. There's nothing more attractive than a SMILE

4. When booking flights, double and TRIPLE check the departure times

5. In a world with leggings and jean, always pick leggings

6. Don't be afraid of ending a relationship in fear of being alone

7. The only thing that can cure a broken heart is time

8. Don't stress over what you can't control

9. Cheez Itz are better than Gold Fish

10. Owning a puppy is similar to having a baby

11. Being unemployed after graduation is perfectly normal

12. Blood is thicker than water

13. The sheer feeling of accomplishment after fulfilling a pen's full life

14. Ice cream cake trumps regular cake

15. Owning a plant is super fun

16. Money isn't everything, but it sure can help many things

17. Yes, your parents were right

18. Mixing liquors will end you

19. Picky eaters get better with time and confidence

20. "Men are like busses, one leaves and the next one is around the corner"

21. Don't wish away your college years

22. The cool kids wake up early, not go to bed super late

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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

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

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There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

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