Your teen years are a few golden years that you should cherish while they're still here. I know that when life throws you curve balls, it's hard to appreciate the things that make you value your youth most.

1. Being partially responsible for expenses

Luckily I'm mostly responsible for gas, clothing, and currently, means to survive in Charleston, but I will soon be helping my dad pay for my housing for school. I commend any teenager who already takes care of themselves independently, but if your parents assist you in any way, be appreciative of this, and take advantage of this, not maliciously, but by putting money aside to save for when you need it. If you have to pay for your phone bill and gas, put money aside that you would pay for other things.

2. Spending time with your pets

Soon, you'll be away from home a lot for college and won't be able to see them every single day like you can when you're at home. Cherish this time with this while you can because in college or when you move away from home, you'll be counting down the days to see your best friends, and you might even be busy being responsible for another pet of your own.

3. Living so close to your grandparents

My grandparents are two doors down from my house, so being three hours away now in Charleston means that I can't just drive over and see them in two minutes. During my childhood, I spent half of my time at their house. They would take care of me when I was sick, I would sleep over just because, and I would even spend days with them when my parents would go out of town. When I started to get older, I didn't spend as much time over there, and now I wish I would have. During the summer while I'm home, I'll be at their house getting as much time in as possible before I have to go back.

4. Your favorite spots in your hometown

During high school, I couldn't wait to move to Charleston and just get away from the small town I call home. Now, when I visit, I always can't wait to go to my favorite restaurants, walk my favorite hiking trails, and see some of my friends. It's easy to get absorbed into new places when you grow up, but remember where you came from, and visit when you can.

5. Time spent with your friends

The other night I was hanging out with some of my friends, laughing and joking around, and I thought of all the speeches that I hear at weddings at the farm, reminiscing with the bride or groom, or both, about these exact moments. These are the years that we will remember and wish to relive in our futures. Cherish these times and don't forget them.

6. Present trends

We're living in an era right now of whatever trends we're following. Bath bombs, lace bralettes and filled-in eyebrows will all be something remembered by future generations that we did. One day, our Millennial fashion trends will all just be a part of our history, unless our kids decide to bring them back.

7. No wrinkles or chronic pain

Some of us already suffer from this, but nothing like some adults do. Take care of your skin and your body and exercise regularly. We live in a time where we know what's good for us and what's not. Take care of yourself like a responsible young adult should and thrive.

Your teenager years can either make or break you and it's all up to you how you choose to live them. While you're young, cherish the simple things and don't take anything for granted.