With my 21st birthday just around the corner, I couldn’t help but to think about some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Having just more than two decades of life experiences behind me, I realized that now would be the perfect time to reflect on everything I’ve come to discover, and that a good way to sum up my life would be to list the 21 more important lessons I’ve learned so far.
1. It’s perfectly ok to say no.
The only person you need to worry about pleasing is yourself.
2. When in doubt, wear black.
You’ll look chic, sophisticated, and put-together every time.
3. It’s ok to stay in bed all day.
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for needing a personal day.
4. It’s often harder to land a competitive internship than it is to get a job.
5. High school is nothing like Mean Girls.
If only high school boys really looked like Aaron Samuels.
6. If someone asks you to change yourself for them, leave.
7. Invest in a good moisturizer to avoid premature signs of aging.
8. Working out sucks, but it’s worth it.
9. Tea Tree oil and coconut oil will literally cure anything.
10. Cheat days are nothing to feel guilty about.
That third slice of pizza is totally worth it.
11. Blasting Mr. Brightside while driving around in your car is a spiritual experience.
12. Moms are way too under-appreciated.
Thank you for feeding me real food when all I could afford was cereal.
13. Naps are a still just as necessary as an adult as they were as a four-year-old.
14. Sometimes you need to set your pride aside and ask for help.
No one expects you to take on the world by yourself.
15. Hairstyles are temporary so dye your hair all the crazy colors you want.
16. Red lipstick and a slicked back ponytail will make you look fabulous every time (even if you haven’t showered in three days).
17. Breakups are horrible, but you will heal eventually.
Adele will guide you through it.
18. Learning another language is actually the most satisfying thing you can do.
19. Contouring will change your life.
20. It’s better to have a few good friends, than to force yourself to hang out with people you don’t like.
21. None of this will even matter a year from now, even your 20-page research paper, so don’t let yourself get overwhelmed by the little things.
Remember, Collegiettes, every experience has a lesson to offer.