You do not need to have everything figured out at 18. Although it is cool to try to map out what your future will look like; in reality it is not going to be the way you pictured it. Instead of trying to grow up as fast as you can, try to enjoy your life where it is now because you only have once chance of being 18 years old. There are seven things I wish I knew when I was 18 years old:
1. Friends will come and go in your life.
You aren't going to be friends with the same people. Friends are going to enter and leave your life. But do not get to upset by that because every person that enters your life is here to teach you a lesson in some sort of way. With all the friends entering your life, make sure you stay connect to your friends that have always had your back because they are still going to. A real friend is not going to get upset or try to stop you from chasing your dreams, instead a real friend is going to push you to go after your dreams.
2. Grades do not matter.
Everyone preaches about having the perfect grades meaning everything, but they don't. It doesn't matter if you get an A or a C on paper or test. What matter is that you are learning and trying your hardest to pass your classes. You do not have to stay in every night and study instead of spending time with your family and friends.
3. Family is important.
Your family is going always going to be there for you no matter what. Try to spend quality time with them because when you go off to college you aren't going to seem them as much. Never be embarrassed that you are close to your family compared to others because it just means you know your family will never give up on you even when you disappoint them with some of your decisions.
4. Believe in yourself.
The only person who can get you to your dreams is yourself. That means you need to believe in yourself. It is okay to doubt yourself a little because it should give you a push to complete your dreams, but never let it stop you from chasing your dreams.
5. Parents actually know what they are talking about.
Some times we think our parents have no clue what they are talking about, but really listen to them. They have experience things that we have or will end up experiencing and they are just trying to help us figure out the world before we are on our own.
6. Its okay to be single.
You do not have to date because everyone else around you is dating. Sometimes you need to figure out your happiness and focus on your self before you get in a relationship. Nothing is wrong with being by yourself. That is because happiness does not come from a boyfriend.
7. Don't change to fit in.
Just because everyone else around you seems to be cool, continue to be yourself. Do not try to change to fit in because it is okay to stand out. You were made to be your own person instead of trying to be like everyone else around.
