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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at SBU chapter.

I recently turned 20. Whether I like to admit it to myself or not, this is a new phase of my life. I mean, it’s a whole new decade. No birthday has ever hit me like this one, it is almost as if I felt the shift. 

People often refer to your 20s as the “best years of your life,” although, I don’t think that is completely accurate. I do think this is a pivotal time in life, but it’s not gonna be all perfect; there will be tough times.

It is crazy to think about how I can start to feel this change already. This is a period of growth and change, but most importantly, it is a time for you to discover who you want to be and what makes you happy in life. 

This can be hard because learning what is good for us in life isn’t always what we want. For example: friendships and relationships. The people we surround ourselves with play a large role in who we are. You have to find others in life that are going to grow with you and not hold you back.  

You may lose relationships. This is a time when people are exploring who they are and what they want in life. Those people who were normally right on your track may not want the same things as you anymore. Rather than letting yourself sit in sadness, use it as a time to learn and embrace change. Take time to establish meaningful relationships with people who share your wants/needs. 

This is a time to be selfish. It’s all about discovering yourself. Be selfish with your time, be selfish with your priorities, and live your life for yourself. Setting boundaries is okay and important. Take this time to immerse yourself in new opportunities. Travel, dye your hair, wear what you want, and do not think twice about doing so.

We spend so much of our lives pouring ourselves into our relationships. That is beyond important, don’t get me wrong, but you are just as important. The time and energy you give to yourself are just as important as what you give to others. 

Despite all this change, always remember to stay true to yourself. Do not let others conform you to something you are not. Be proud of the person you have become. Take advantage of this time and do not rush it away. Never be afraid to slow down and embrace the changes that are shaping the person you are.

Cassidy is a social media executive for Her Campus at St. Bonaventure University. She loves to use her creative outlet to advance her university's chapter. She has been writing for Her Campus for three years. Cassidy is a fourth-year student studying psychology with a minor in women's studies. Beyond Her Campus, she is involved in other extracurriculars such as L.I.F.T., Active Minds, and volunteering in the food pantry. She is the president of SBU for Equality. You may find her working in the admissions building as a student ambassador. She is an avid Pinterest user and will bring up how it is the best social media to exist. Her love for music keeps her going, nothing Taylor Swift can't help her with.