As my 18th birthday is rapidly approaching (April 27th), I thought reflecting on 18 important things that I've learned throughout life. Of course I had to call on some of my childhood pals to help!

1. People may underestimate you because of your age, race, or gender. I've learned to shut out the voices of those who doubt, and keep my eyes on the prize!

2. Sometimes life doesn't go the way you want it to. That doesn't mean you should just give up. Assess what's going on in your life, and then make an effort to fix it if you can!

3.Trying something new in life may be scary, but in the end it just might make a good story to tell!

4. Nap time doesn't last forever! Enjoy every single season of your life, before it ends.

5. When your eyes are opened to all the injustice around you, speak up and be a voice! Don't just comply with injustice because it's the status quo. CHANGE THE STATUS QUO.

6. No matter what happened the day before, start each day with a new and bright outlook on life!

7. Letting go of people in your life that aren't really good for you may be painful to do, but is worth it in the end.

8. Don't feel guilty about just letting loose and having fun every now and then!

9. Worrying won't change the situation. If it's in your control to change the situation then do so. If you can't change it, then don't sweat it!

10. Acquiring the things we want in life may be hard, but the best things come with a fight.

11. Your mom is always right. Using sarcasm will only make her more right and you more wrong, sadly.

12. Owning up to your actions and apologizing is hard to do, but it's simply a part of growing up.

13. You can't change what's happened to you in the past, but you can change your present.

15. Be sure to tell the one's you love, just how much they mean to you.

16. What's on the inside, is by far more important that what's on the outside.

17. Stop and appreciate the small things in life. They may not be there forever.

18. A little bit of sass is necessary ;)