Do you ever just sit and wonder what your future will be like? How many kids will you have? Will you live where you are now or across the country? Will you actually use your degree?

I think these things a little too often for a 19-year-old girl.

Recently I have been thinking about my future a lot. It might be because I'm in my feels about having completed my first year of college in the blink of an eye...

Here are nine things I want my future son or daughter to know.

1. Love yourself.

Before anyone else can. It is so important to be independent and confident in yourself before diving into a relationship. Unfortunately, it's easy to lose yourself in a relationship and become dependent on another person. This can be avoided if you're caring for yourself before sharing your world with another person.

2. Struggle now, succeed later.

This is kind of cliché, but it's actually so true. I spent the past two weeks grinding out my final days as a freshman at Temple. I had several papers and exams to complete, and while there were times I didn't think I'd survive, I reminded myself of the days to come.

Looking back, you'll be glad you put in the time and got the good grades and can reward yourself with a relaxing, four-month summer. Make me a proud mom.

3. Live in the moment.

These days it is so easy to let the moment slip. I blame social media, honestly, because we are too busy taking photos and videos rather than enjoying whatever is happening. Please be those people taking it all in rather than pulling out your iPhone18 to take a picture for your Snap story.

4. Plan Ahead.

Please. It is essential to any kind of goal you wish to reach. Take baby steps and create a game plan, but most importantly, be patient. Because without patience you might be disappointed with the outcome.

5. It's okay to fail.

It's literally impossible to achieve success without failing. No person is perfect. Please don't give up.

6. Grades matter...

Study. Stay in on the weekends if needed. Get good grades. These days, good grades are essential to achieving a successful and enjoyable life because everything is so freaking expensive. I can only imagine how it'll be within the next ten years.

7. ...but they don't define you.

I'm hoping you don't inherit my nervousness. I'm a "nervous Nelly," as mom always calls me. You might spend hours studying for an exam and still not do as you had hoped. Take it and run with it. Use it as ammunition to work harder in the future. Just remember a number doesn't define you.

8. Nothing is guaranteed.

Don't take things for granted. It's easy to go about life having things handed to you, but then are you really even living? Experience new things, work hard, and success will be waiting for you.

9. Happiness is a choice.

This is something that has taken me 19 years to understand. You literally have the choice every single day to be happy. Find something that makes you happy to be alive every time you open your eyes in the morning. If you can't think of anything, remind yourself of the fact you're even alive.