Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BU chapter.

Last week, I turned 20. While it’s weird to not be a teenager anymore, I’m excited to start this next chapter of my life. My birthday also had me reflecting on all the little life lessons I’ve come to learn. So, here’s a list of 20 little things I’ve learned so far in life.

 

Connections are important to jumpstart your career. 

It really is mostly about who you know, not what you know.

There’s going to be a point in your life when you feel like you have no one.

Know that that is not a permanent situation.

People aren’t mind readers.

You need to let them know if something makes you uncomfortable because they probably will never realize it if you never speak up.

You’re going to lose friends, and it sucks but sometimes it’s for the best.

Even if you never got closure. You need to move on and focus on yourself. 

Stop comparing yourself to others.

Just because someone else is the same age and they’ve accomplished more does not mean you’re not where you should be. Everyone is on a different path and maybe it’s just not your time yet.

Even if someone isn’t kind to you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be kind to them.

And if you suspect someone wouldn’t do something for you, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it for them. Continue showing love and being the best friend you can be.

You don’t always have to get something in return.

Do things because you care, not because it will benefit you in some way.

Keep persevering.

Even if things don’t go your way originally, don’t give up on your goals. 

Develop a routine.

Maybe it’s waking up early and making breakfast and tea. Maybe it’s going to a café to study every Saturday. Just find those things that will keep you grounded.

Plants can make a room feel more alive and a lot less lonely. 

Just remember to take care of them.

Arguing sometimes is a sign of a healthy relationship. 

Arguing all the time is not.

It’s good to snack between meals.

That way you’re not starving by dinner.

Read more books.

That time will be well spent.

Most things aren’t worth sacrificing your sleep for. 

Skimping on sleep will only make you less productive in the long run.

It’s better to have a few close friends than a lot of casual friends.

It’s not about the numbers.

Save money. 

Set up a savings account and keep adding money to it consistently.

Take care of your skin.

Always remove makeup before you go to sleep. Wash your face twice a day. You’ll be glad you did when you’re older.

A bad haircut isn’t the end of your life. 

Hair will grow back.

Let them go.

If someone is jealous of your success rather than happy for you, they’re not your friend.

Your parents don’t know everything.

Sometimes they’re wrong. Forgive them when they are.

Even though I’ve learned many things up to this point in my life, I am excited to keep growing and learning as I enter my 20s!

Want to keep up with HCBU? Make sure to like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, check out our Pinterest board, and read our latest Tweets!

 

Leanna, originally from New York City, is a student at Boston University.
Writers of the Boston University chapter of Her Campus.