I just celebrated my 21st birthday this weekend, and as I was surrounded by my sister, parents, boyfriend and best friend, I began to think about how my life is and what I have learned over my 21 years of life.

Here are 21 things I've learned in my 21 years of life.

1. College is hard.

When a person is getting ready for college, everyone surrounding them says "these will be the best years of your life," "get ready to find your forever friends," "have lots of fun," etc... And yes this is true, but they forget to tell you how many countless hours will go into your studies, and that some people aren't very nice. They don't tell you how lonely it will feel at times, and how hard the temptations are. I'm getting ready to graduate (scary!) and if I've learned anything about college, it's that it is not all rainbows and sunshine.

2. Ice cream won't kill you.

No, it doesn't help when you are trying to be healthy or refrain from the "freshman 15" (which really should be the freshman 25), but after 21 years of life, I've learned that life is boring when you're eating salad all the time.. Treat yourself. Eat ice cream.

3. Old Facebook photos will always come back to haunt you.

When I was in middle school, it was cool to edit your pictures and put words on them. It was also cool to take selfies in mirrors and wear weird clothes... Now those trends are long gone and people will get a good laugh out of my old Facebook photos.

4. Quality always always trumps quantity.

Being popular isn't always what it seems. I had lots of "friends" in high school. I always had Friday and Saturday night plans, and had lots of people to say hi to at school. Now I have ONE friend (outside of my sister and boyfriend) who I can call at any moment in the day/night and share my secrets with. At first when I realized this, I felt a little disappointed and like a loser, but now I am so grateful that after middle school, high school, and most of college she has stuck like glue and pulled me through my best days and my darkest days.

5. Black will always be the most flattering color.

Period

6. People aren't always going to like you.

That's okay. It doesn't say anything about you or your character. There is a quote I read that says, "you could be the ripest, juiciest peach, but not everyone likes peaches." This is so true. You could be funny, filled with joy, loud and outgoing, but there will be people who say that is too much for them. Shake it off. Focus on the people who do like you and appreciate you.

7. Zac Efron will never not be hot.

He starred in high school musical when I was in middle school, and now he is in two or three movies this year and still looks ... wow

8. Some things do get better with age.

Take Jennifer Aniston for example. Getting older is fun. Don't dread it, embrace it and make memories that will last a lifetime.

9. Choose your battles wisely.

In the grand scheme of things, some things really don't matter. When you're little, it really doesn't matter who sits in the front seat. You're both gonna get to the same place.. and as an adult, it really doesn't matter who does the dishes as long as they get done.

10. Your feelings are valid.

It doesn't matter what people say. Your feelings are worth something and you should never have to apologize for them.

11. Communication is key.

It can save a relationship, help you in school, beef up your status, and help people understand you. Don't leave things unsaid, and when you can fight for yourself, do it. Speak up and eloquently, it may get you places you never expected.

12. Your integrity and dignity are always the most important.

A boy (or girl) may seem worth it at the time, but it is never worth it to compromise who you are. The right person will never ask you to change who you are or what you believe. Wait for them to come around.

13. When you find true love, give it all you have.

Love with your head and your heart. When you find a person who makes you the best version of yourself and loves you despite you, don't let them go. Love hard and fight for them.

14. Your relationship with the Lord is your most important relationship.

Keep it in the center of your life. It is hard to make time in your busy schedule to spend with Him, but do it anyways. Make Him a priority and the rest will fall into place.

15. Always make time for a good book.

In a changing society, literature stands still. It is timeless and can teach you so much. In your spare time, open a book. It'll never let you down.

16. It is so important to learn another language.

Even if you just learn the basic "hello" "where's the bathroom" "help", it is so important to be able to speak to people of other languages. You never know when you will find yourself in a sticky situation.

17. Your parents are your greatest advocates.

They will fight for you, give you advice, cry with you, and give you money. They will also go to bat for you when you feel you were right, and they will make sure people treat you with respect and fairness.
When you leave home, call them. Let them know how you're doing, where you are, how school is going.
And yes, they were always right.
Mama really does know best, and although it seems like she just wants you to be home with her forever instead of going out, she really does have your best interest at heart.

18. Disney movies and music always make you feel better.

Who cares that you're in your 20's and still like to watch Cinderella when you're sick. Never get too old to have an imagination. Believe in the magic the world has to offer.

19. Networking is extremely important.

It does pay to know people. When you need a job, a reference, or someone to just speak on your behalf, your networks are the best people to choose from. Even if its a friend of a friend or a person someone recommended to you, knowledge is power.

20. The only person you should compete with is yourself.

Strive to be better than you were yesterday. Your personal best is all you can do, so don't try to be better than other people or judge yourself based on those around you.

21. Strive to be a life- long learner.

Someone smart once told me this. You can never know too much. Have the desire to learn. Read books of high intellect. Ask questions no matter how silly it seems. Do your research. You can never know too much.

These are just a few of the lessons I've learned as I've grown into an adult. I hope that as I explore my 20's I continue to learn and recognize all the world has to offer and all God has to teach me.