Back in November, I wrote an article of 25 things for me to do before I turn 25. Well, April 5th I turn 25. I have not accomplished this list. I did 4 things (one that isn’t already checked on the list). Maybe I set my goals a little high especially only giving myself 4 months to do all those things.

However, I did accomplish other goals in my 25 years of life that others haven’t.

I graduated with a bachelor’s degree. I double-majored in Criminal Justice and Psychology and loved learning all about the mind but also learning about different behaviors of a person. I loved learning about different aspects of a crime and why children do certain things and have certain behaviors. My degree was fascinating.

But, I also made a plan that when I pay some or most of my student debt off, I will go back and get a Master’s in teaching. I would love to teach elementary aged children that are in low-income/failing schools.

I went on an international mission trip during July 2017 to the Dominican Republic. I fell in love with all the people and the atmosphere. I fell in love with international missions. I immediately wanted to go back while we are on the bus back to the airport on our last day. Those people had no drinking water out of the faucet, no flushing of toilet paper in the toilet, no big deal compared to the experience I had.

I have a full-time job — I have been with this company since 2014 as a part-time worker. In November 2017, I became full time. I love this company and I love the people I work with. Plus, because of the new job, I was able to do the thing I mention next.

I finally moved out March 10th. It’s a lot different to be on your own/with a roommate than with parents, even in the two weeks it has been. It’s nice not to be needed. It sucks to have to make your own food or buy something or starve every night. But, it’s nice.

But, I also haven’t done things that other people my age are doing.

I don’t have kids. I am not married. I am not engaged. Heck, I don’t even have a boyfriend. I don’t see myself as being behind in that aspect. Yes, it sucks sometimes but actually a lot of my friends are younger than me with some that are older and are also in the single, no-kid stage with me, as well. Sometimes it does seem lonely but I am okay where I am.

I may not have accomplished as much as other people my age or even younger than me but I am not like everyone else. I figured out who I am and who I am not in my twenty-five years of life. I am not a social butterfly. I would rather stay in and read/watch Netflix (or stay in with a few people) rather than go out with a bunch of people.

I would rather drink sweet tea than sparkling water (ew!) or even regular water. I would rather sleep in than stay out late. I would rather have a few loyal friends than a lot of friends. I would rather be in a relationship than date different guys throughout the week. I would rather say “no” than be stressing out and regret myself or the person I was with later. I would rather keep my mouth shut than gossip.

I will be 25. I will be a quarter of a century. And I think I have accomplished and lived a good 25 years.