Our 20s are on the horizon, which is exciting and scary. When we were little, we dreamed about being 20, and now, it is here. It can be frightening, not knowing what is going to happen in the coming decade. So, with the help of some older and much wiser friends, I have created a guide to surviving your 20s. Basically, I am taking over "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide," except with a focus on turning 20 and the decade that follows. Hopefully, this will be as helpful to you as Ned was in middle school (I hope someone gets this reference).
How to make it through turning 20 from ones who have been there:
"What should I expect?"
The Bad
"20 is the age you think you want, because you are not a teenager. But in disguise, it's the evil stepmother that comes in and makes you become responsible..."-V.F.
"You aren't a teenager anymore, so you can't do dumb things and get away with it. But you are not treated completely like an adult."-H.W.
You are no longer a teen, but still not a full-grown adult. You have responsibilities, but still need your parents to get you through.
"You begin to think you should start having your life together, but you just can't."-J.A.
Being 20 makes you think you have to plan for everything for the future, and sometimes society makes you think that. It is just not possible, so quit worrying so much.
"It is a transition year with a lot of changes."-L.B.
New year, new you, right? Change is always scary, especially when it involves your future.
The Good
"You can start planning your 21st birthday." -J.A.
"1 year to 21." -D.B.
"Last year before you are legal." -L.B.
"No longer a teen."-V.F.
Does anyone really need an explanation here?
"You are closer to graduating." -V.F.
"Schooling is almost over."-L.B.
Except if you are an education major.
"The phase in your life before the real world comes."-K.B.
In a few years, we will have jobs, relationships, and possibly kids. Right now, it is just the me, myself, and I phase. So the ones who have been here say to have fun and enjoy it. Pretty soon, you will be in charge of the well-being of others.
"What should I do during this stage of life?"
20 Tips for making the most of your 20s
1. "Soak up the time you have left with your fiends before you go your separate ways."
2. "Don't take it for granted. As Pastor Steven Furtick said, 'What is taken for granted is eventually taken away.'"
3. "Take advantage of every opportunity given to you"
4. "Travel while you still have money."
5. "You never turn 20 again, so live it up."
6. "Stay grounded in your faith, and let God guide your path."
7. "Make a bucket list of 20 things to do before you are 30."
8. "Live on your own."
9. "Go on a blind date."
10. "Change your hair, drastically."
11. "Ask a stranger for their phone number."
12. "Write a letter to yourself to open in 20 years."
13. "Go vote."
14. "Get to know 20 people better than you know them now."
15. "Take a for-fun class."
16. "Find free places to visit and explore."
17. "Take a photo every year in the same pose, same place, same outfit."
18. "Sing karaoke one night, preferably very badly."
19. "Try something new."
20. "Live in the moment."
Now we have some secrets into the world of our roaring 20s, so use this advice wisely. Heck, even if you aren't in your 20s, do it! Basically, the motto of what everyone said was to live life to fullest.
Happy 20s!
Thank you to everyone who helped me write this article. Without all of you, this article wouldn't have worked. Y'all rock!!
