At nineteen years old, I can’t call myself the wisest woman in the world. 

But what I can say is that I am definitely someone who has made more mistakes than I could ever care to count--but in most cases, learned from them. With my twentieth birthday creeping up on me, and the inevitable end of my teens just around the corner, I would like to share some of the most valuable lessons I have gained in the past few years. 

1. To all of you young ones out there, embrace this last semester of your freshman year. Time goes by so quickly and before you know it you are going to have to declare your major and try to figure out what the heck you are supposed to do with the rest of your life. So enjoy being carefree while it lasts. Cause you will be freaking out before you know it.
2. GO OUT. Even when you don’t want to, cause you’re too tired or in a bad mood. DO IT. Some of the best memories are made this way. 
3. Forget the past. For every second you spend worrying about something that has already happened, you aren’t really living in the present. I know people tell you this all the time but really, don’t let what you can’t change hold you back. It will be just another thing you’ll regret later on. 
4. To all the girls out there, don’t worry about boys. They are all stupid and really aren’t worth your time. Frankly, when the right one comes along, you will know it. So don’t fuss about the wrong ones.
5. To all the boys out there, girls are crazy. Don’t try to understand them cause realistically you never will. Just treat them well, keep them happy, and when you find a good girl, don’t let her go. 
6. Smile. No one likes to see a frown. 
7. Talk to random strangers. Go out of your way to say hi to the person standing next to you in the grocery line. Or ask your waiter how their day is going. You never know. Sometimes just by being friendly, you make a person’s entire day. 
8. SAY YES. To every date party, event, and random opportunity. Life is short and you can never know how long you have left. Don’t miss these chances. 
9. It’s okay to cry. Guys and girls alike. Don’t hide your emotions. Bottling things up only makes it worse in the end.
10. Tell people how you feel. You will always regret not being honest. If you don’t tell people the truth, you’ll just be left wondering “what if” for the rest of your days. 

Most importantly, always remember how lucky you are. To be young, healthy, and happy is something not everyone has. So be grateful.