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20 Things I Learned By My 20th Birthday

I may be young, but I have definitely learned a lot.

Rachel Wong

Jan 15, 2018

Santa Clara University

469

Nikhita Singhal

The weekend before writing this article, I would be turning twenty. This got me to thinking about how turning twenty was different from my other birthdays and what this decade would have in store for me. Thus, came the inspiration for writing about twenty things that a girl should know or should have figured out before she has turned 20.

All of the teen years leading up to this have been filled with heartbreak, happiness, let downs and many more events that would lead to a roller coaster of emotions. Here are twenty things that I definitely learned in my teen years, leading up to my twentieth birthday.

1. No matter what, your parents will always have your back even if you disappoint them.

2. Be yourself. Even if it may seem hard at the time, it will pay off in the future.

3. Never doubt your capabilities and always push yourself.

4. Feelings are confusing, but never hold back on how you feel about a situation.

5. Don't rely on anyone for happiness, make your own.

6. Boys will break your heart and you will forgive them no matter what. Try to not lose yourself in the process of these confusing relationships.

7. Put as much effort into long-distance friendships as possible-- these will be the ones to stick around for longest if you work on them.

8. Try out new things like yoga or kayaking-- being adventurous can be fun.

9. Try to get a job it will teach you independence.

10. Getting your first paycheck makes you feel like you are on top of the world.

11. It's okay to put yourself first.

12. Crying is good for the soul.

13. Some friendships don't last and that's okay.

14. You can't change anyone, they have to change themselves.

15. Always tell your parents that you love them.

16. Not going out sometimes is not the end of the world.

17. School is tough, so don't beat yourself up if you aren't able to get the grades you want.

18. Never judge people based on what you hear about them, a lot of the time they end up being different.

19. Being selfish in some instances is actually necessary for your happiness.

20. You are young and you have so much time ahead of you to figure out your life.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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20 Things I Learned By My 20th Birthday

I may be young, but I have definitely learned a lot.

1. No matter what, your parents will always have your back even if you disappoint them.

2. Be yourself. Even if it may seem hard at the time, it will pay off in the future.

3. Never doubt your capabilities and always push yourself.

4. Feelings are confusing, but never hold back on how you feel about a situation.

5. Don't rely on anyone for happiness, make your own.

6. Boys will break your heart and you will forgive them no matter what. Try to not lose yourself in the process of these confusing relationships.

7. Put as much effort into long-distance friendships as possible-- these will be the ones to stick around for longest if you work on them.

8. Try out new things like yoga or kayaking-- being adventurous can be fun.

9. Try to get a job it will teach you independence.

10. Getting your first paycheck makes you feel like you are on top of the world.

11. It's okay to put yourself first.

12. Crying is good for the soul.

13. Some friendships don't last and that's okay.

14. You can't change anyone, they have to change themselves.

15. Always tell your parents that you love them.

16. Not going out sometimes is not the end of the world.

17. School is tough, so don't beat yourself up if you aren't able to get the grades you want.

18. Never judge people based on what you hear about them, a lot of the time they end up being different.

19. Being selfish in some instances is actually necessary for your happiness.

20. You are young and you have so much time ahead of you to figure out your life.

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I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

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Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

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17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

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

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

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Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

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

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