The biggest thing that I have had to learn as a young person is that nobody is in charge of your life except you. As we grow up, there will be countless people trying to push their beliefs about a successful life on you, and I am here to tell you that you don’t have to do what other people tell you to do. Ultimately, your life is just that: yours. You control your happiness, your college major, if you're single your whole life or if you get married young… that’s all on you!

It may seem intimidating to realize that adulthood means making major life decisions and not relying on others to make them for you. The thing to remember is that not one person your age has any idea what they are doing either; we are all in the same boat. We are all trying to decide what to eat for dinner while simultaneously deciding what career paths are best for us. It’s so scary, but it’s also such a beautiful adventure to be on. Life isn’t about staying comfortable; otherwise, it would be boring!

Other people are always going to try and tell you what to do. Adulthood hits you hard, and it may seem easier to let another person make decisions for you, but you will not find happiness in someone else’s idea of happiness. The decisions you are making now can only be made by you. Otherwise, you will end up wishing you had pursued your dreams instead of becoming an accountant (but if accounting is your thing, more power to you.)

I am not saying that your loved ones cannot give you advice. You should welcome advice with open arms. Advice comes from a good place and may include personal experiences. However, advice should not start with words like “you have to” or “you should." Advice should sound something like this: “I think you could really succeed at…” or “Here’s what I would do." Advice is not telling someone to do something; it’s analyzing a situation and providing feedback based on what is best for that person.

You should also know that just because one person had a bad experience with something doesn’t mean you will. No, not all long distance relationships are doomed to fail, not all young marriages end in divorce, not all people who don’t go to college end up poor, and not all theater majors end up as starving artists. There’s a saying: “There’s always an exception to the rule." I say that there is no rule! Be whoever you want to be and don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. Ever.

There are going to be days when life feels overwhelming and there will be days when you confidently say “I’ve got this." No matter what, your life is your adventure. Remember that you’re not alone. We are all worried and scared about what the future holds. Don’t let anyone hold you back from your dreams because even if you crash and burn, it will at least make a great story.