As I return from my five-day hiatus in Chicago, I realize how important it is to have experiences while I can. My cousin and I decided in late April to go to Lollapalooza this year, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions we've ever made. We got so much bonding time and had so many inside jokes; it was worth the money we spent on the 4-day pass. With that being said, we only ate out one time, brought groceries and didn't spend much money while we were there. There's a way to live financially smart but still experience the things you want to.
Seeing Khalid as close as we did was when I realized we made the right decision by coming to Chicago. His concert was incredible, and seeing artists such as Travis Scott, Post Malone, Illenium, Dua Lipa and Logic live made us realize what a good investment we had made. Getting close enough to touch Post Malone was absolutely insane, and the 100+ videos I took over the weekend will allow me to relive every moment of Lolla. Also, seeing some of my favorite artists was worth putting up with the blazing heat, walking over 10 miles a day, and getting lost in the parking garage (twice).
Also, being in a big city by ourselves made us more independent, and getting through the whole trip without a hitch made me realize that
1) I can drive in a big city without causing an accident and
2) I could really live on my own and function.
As a budding 20-year-old, I know I'm about to experience a lot of change, and making it through the weekend made me feel somewhat more prepared for that change to come.
Even if it isn't a music festival you attend, make sure you save the money and do that crazy wild thing you want to do. Go study abroad or get a job in a big city or take a weekend trip to New York City or Chicago with your besties. Do something crazy! You'll create memories and stories now, and you can think back on them later and laugh. The people you experience life with are the ones you'll have a stronger bond with, so whether it be a significant other, a friend, a cousin, a sister, a brother, a parent... just get out and try new things!