At twenty, I felt like I knew a lot. I was definitely a lot wiser than when I was 17, applying to colleges. At 17, I thought by the time I was 24, I'd almost have my student loans paid off, would probably have a mortgage and a house, a husband, a dog, a white picket fence, and perfectly manicured nails. I'm sorry, but that's not how it happens.

I'm twenty-four now, and I have grown a lot as a person since I was twenty, especially in the last year or so of my life. At 20, I wanted to please everyone, I couldn't say "No." to people. I'd take on more classes and projects than I could handle. I was drained emotionally and financially from working too much and had nothing to show for it aside from the chic raccoon bags under my eyes and a general feeling of anxiety. I felt exhausted and alone. If you're reading this, and it sounds familiar, it gets better.

Stop being afraid of telling people "No". Put yourself first. Always. You are no help to anyone when you cannot help yourself. Work hard and look at the big picture. That calculus exam will not haunt you or ruin your life. Schedule time for yourself to recharge and make time for relationships that count. Don't waste energy on people who don't give you the same time and energy you are giving them. Your heart is important, and if you're giving more than you're getting, you're going to feel it eventually. Cut out toxic people now, and don't look back.

Don't let yourself fall "in love" with love. You are your own person with your own purpose, goals, and worth. You do not need someone else to complete you. Lead a fulfilling life on your own. Focus on your journey, love yourself. If it's time, you'll find someone worth it who is worth the tears. Build your empire and walk your own path. You will find someone who is on the same path as you. Don't waste your time with "stepping stone" relationships. Don't let people bread crumb you along. YOU know your worth, and you ARE worth a lot!

Feed your soul. Read a book. Go for a walk. Take care of yourself. Stop only feeding yourself some sad fast food meal late at night as the only thing you eat the whole day. Invest in yourself and your health. Mental health IS part of your health.

Breathe. Time flies, and you'll be looking back at this time in a few years. I hope you'll be proud of how far you've come.

Ferris Bueller nailed it. "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it".