7 Messages For Teenagers From A New 20-Something
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Messages For Teenagers From A New 20-Something

I survived being a teenager. Here are seven pieces of advice that helped me make it through, one for each year.

4
7 Messages For Teenagers From A New 20-Something
Refernce

At the time that this is published, I will have just celebrated my 20th birthday. Against all odds, I managed to stay alive for not just one, but two decades.

This means that I will no longer be anything that constitutes as a teenager.

Teenagerdom is not easy. Between when I was a young 13-year-old, a kid about to start middle school, and now, a grown adult who just finished her first year of college, I have changed tremendously. But in looking back, I can understand the things I did, however cringeworthy, and also understand how they made me into the queer human being I am today.

Here are seven lessons for all teenagers, one for each year.

1. 13-Year-Olds

Love yourself. Everyone will start telling you that you must hate yourself, and you have to ignore them for as long as possible.

2. 14-Year-Olds

Don't stress over the little things. Six years down the line you will no longer remember them, and the ones that still impact you in the future will have made the you that you are.

3. 15-Year-Olds

Branch out. Don't stay in the comfort zone forever. This doesn't have to be with anything in particular. Branch out with friends, hobbies, books or travel. A big part of life is the necessity for the thrill. Without change, life would be just boring.

4. 16-Year-Olds

Don't settle because you think you might love them. Not everyone meets the love of their life in high school. People very rarely do. Treat yourself with respect and love and soon enough you'll find others who will do the same for you. Also, most teenagers are terrible at relationships. Dating is a learning process, though, and right now, you are in the stage of learning. That being said: good luck.

5. 17-Year-Olds

Treat yo' self. Now, as college is coming close, educate yourself. Read a book that isn't for school and isn't a novel. Find out what toxic masculinity is and how it affects you. Find your passion and latch onto it. If you don't know what your passion is -- ya got time.

6. 18-Year-Olds

You can vote, join the military, buy cigarettes in 49 states, drive a car and buy a lottery ticket, but you still can't drink alcohol. The arbitrariness of the law will bother you, and you may enter a brief anarchist phase. This is okay. When the questioning of meaning comes to you, remember: no answer to the meaning of life has ever been 100 percent satisfactory.

7. 19-Year-Olds

19-year-olds aren't really teenagers, but aren't 20-somethings. Nineteen is a year alone, caught between the two as an awkward pause before stepping into adulthood. You're going to learn a lot about yourself here. Turning 19 can be scary. But don't worry. When you reach the end, it's all worth it. The kid who thought they were a grownup six or seven years too early is still in there, overjoyed to see who they became in time.


I love the person my teenage years made me become. She is strong, and she is ready for what lies ahead of her in life. She can do anything she sets her mind to -- even make silly lists.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48117
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30542
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954492
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

174391
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments