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21 Things I’ve Learned in 21 Years

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Sara Kirkpatrick
Kaitlyn Suppes
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Wyoming chapter.

I love my birthday. I love celebrating with friends, getting dressed up, and eating cake. I even break out the birthday tiara. (Just because I’m turning 21 doesn’t mean I can’t live out my childhood dreams of being a princess). I have counted down down the months, the days, until my big day. While partying is half the fun, birthdays are also a great time to reflect. For me these past few years have been challenging, but also rewarding. Each experience I’ve been given has shaped who I am. As time passes I discover more about myself, and the person I hope to be. Here are a few of the lessons that I’ve learned along the way.

 

  1. A heart does not break, it only aches

  2. Go outside and lose yourself in nature. It reminds us how small we are, in the best kind of way.

  3. Music is the heartbeat of your soul, so dance

  4. Be present, there’s no use in being in a hurry

  5. You help to create the world you live in and you have the power to change it.

  6. When in doubt, write it out.

  7. Teach yo’self.

  8. Stay curious, be open to every learning opportunity.

  9. Just because someone is different from you gives you no reason to judge them, If you take the time to get to know someone, they might surprise you.

  10. If you ever want to see the goodness in this world, go hang out with kids.

  11. Try again, Fail again, Fail better.

  12. Continue to be joyful, even when the world is telling you differently.

  13. Don’t get lost inside yourself, connecting with others is what makes life meaningful.

  14. Acknowledge other people as people. Whether it’s the janitor, or the president of a university, treat them with respect.

  15. You do not need to be in a relationship to be complete.

  16. Forgive others, but don’t forget to forgive yourself.  

  17. Let the smallest miracles in your everyday life continue to amaze you.

  18. Be brave, and embrace the challenges life gives you.

  19. Keep you hope and faith, sometimes it is the more difficult thing to do.

  20. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself (You’re pretty damn funny).

  21. You have so many people to thank for making you the person you are today. Don’t forget to let them know.

 

A nerve racking question that I’ve run into at this point in my life is, “What do I plan on doing after college?” I don’t have a super clear plan, but I keep in mind that I don’t have to have it all figured out right now. I’m open to seeing where life takes me. So here’s to my 21st year, one that I hope to fill with adventures, laughter, and great memories.

 

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Sara is a junior double majoring in Journalism and Enviromental and Natural Resources. She was born in Northern Kentucky but has lived in Laramie for 10 years now. She has a communications internship with the Wyoming EPSCoR program and writes for their blog. She also works as a lifegaurd and swim instructor at the local recreation center. To balance out her busy life Sara loves to read, do yoga, and plan her adventures abroad. She enjoys the small things that make life wonderful including rain, green grass, and coffee. One day she hopes to live in Seattle, write for an environmental publication, and travel the world to cover her stories.
Kaitlyn is a recent grad the University of Wyoming, where she got her degree in Marketing. She has been the Campus Correspondent for a Pink level chapter, a Chapter Advisor to some amazing chapters, and now has the pleasure of being a Region Leader. Born and raised on the Western Slope of Colorado, her love for nature and the outdoors comes naturally. Kaitlyn lives for football season, but finds way to stay preoccupied during the off-season. She enjoys long walks in the mountains, beer as cold as her heart, and bacon on her burgers. You can follow Kaitlyn’s adventures on Instagram, @kaysoup.