I recently turned 20, and as I sit back and reflect on my teenage years, I realized I have learned a lot of lessons - some good, some bad. Believe it or not, you are only a teenager for 6 years. I know! It felt like a lifetime to me. I changed so much, and so much has happened in that short amount of time.

Your teenage years are the only ones that you spend in grade school, high school, AND college, yet they are the shortest amount of time in your life. But in those 6 years, life changes SO much.

I’m feeling a little nostalgic today, and as I enter this new decade in my life, I can’t forget these years that impacted my life so greatly.

Here is what I learned from being a teenager:

Friends come and go, and that’s ok

Being a teenager is a perfect time to figure out who you want in your life, and who you don’t. Everyone enters your life for reason, and sometimes they leave it for a reason too. Don’t worry about it too much. You will figure out who your people are.

You might not date, or find the love of your life, and that’s ok…

Your life is just starting to begin, and you are going to have so many adventures and good times. Don’t let boys (or girls) get in your way from having fun. I know a lot of your friends may be “dating” in grade school, or even high school, but if you aren’t, don’t worry about it. You have the rest of your life to find the love of your life. (BTW, “dating” in grade school is not “dating.”)

They are the most awkward years of your life

The beginning of your teens is puberty, and the time when you start really caring about how you look. But aside from going through the awkward stage physically, some (me) went through an awkward stage socially and mentally. Who knows what to say to that cute boy in your class, or what college to pick?

The world is not ending

You may be stressed with school, crushes, work, sports, friends, etc., but it is not the end of the world. You will get through it, and everything will be ok! Those zits will go away, you will find your friends, you will get your dream job, and everything will work out.

Value your mother

She may not be your best friend, or she may be, but please always respect her and let her know you appreciate her. Your mom will help you get through these tough years, and will be there through the cramps, the heartbreaks, the friend break-ups, your panic attacks, and everything in between. Trust her, she knows what is good for you!

High school really was the best four years of my life

Even though it went so fast, and it was stressful at times, I would go back to it in a heartbeat. I miss the comfort of it. We all felt like a family. You found yourself in high school. You found at least one friend that will stand with you on your wedding day. There may be strict rules, ugly uniforms and tough classes, but believe me, you will miss it.

You won’t keep in touch with most of your friends after you graduate

After elementary school, I only saw my friends who went to the same high school as me. After high school, forget it. I keep in touch with maybe 3 people I knew, now that I am in college. Life happens.

Make time for your grandparents

Unless you are lucky, you have probably lost one or more of your grandparents when you were a teenager. Honestly, that was the worst day of my life. Grandparents are the ones who will always be there for you when no one else is, and you can learn A LOT from them. Spend time with them, and listen to them.

Appreciate life and the time you have

It is going to go WAAAY too fast. You enter college, and start working, and have adult responsibilities, so go be a teenager and live life to the fullest before you are stuck with bills, debt, and a 9 to 5 job.

Prom is not the best day of your life, but go anyway

I had the best time at both of my proms! Although there will be more major events that happen in your life, I am so glad I went to prom, and spent that last time with my graduating class.

Stop wishing you were older

I wish I could go back and be 15 again. Life was simpler, and fun, and I regret not taking advantage of that time. Next thing you know you will be in college, and have adult responsibilities and you will wish you could turn back time. Adulting is hard..

It’s ok to not have your life together

You have the rest of your life to figure out who you are, and what you want to do. Don’t fret over that 16. Enjoy that time!

To all of the teenagers out there: Please enjoy this time. I know it’s tough, but you will get through it and wish you could go back.

To my fellow “adults”: Be mature, but still have fun!