This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UNH chapter.
This past summer I turned 21. It got me thinking about my life up until now. I’m old enough to say that I’ve experienced many things in my life that made me the person I am today, but young enough to say I’m still learning and growing. It’s a weird feeling to say that I am 21-years-old. I am 21-years-old. I’m not a kid but I am. I don’t know where the time went. One minute I’m 14 starting high school and now I’m 21-years-old graduating college. After reflecting back on this time I decided to write down five things I’ve learned growing up:
- Cherish your childhood: Don’t rush to grow up. Your childhood is what is making you who you are. Don’t wish to be like the older kids because some of the best lessons you’ll learn when you’re younger.
- Its okay to not be okay: It’s okay to be upset or disappointed, even if you think it’s not important. Just because sometimes it doesn’t seem important, it’s important to you. Eventually, it makes you stronger. It gets better even if you’re struggling alone. You should push through even if it seems like the most ridiculous thing. There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.
- It’s okay to spend time alone: Being alone can be the best thing. It gives you an opportunity to learn more about yourself. I’m not saying to be in a relationship or not to be in a relationship. I’m saying that taking time to yourself once in a while to discover what makes you happy while focusing on your mental health is one of the best things for you.
- Take responsibility: Don’t make excuses for yourself. Take responsibility for your own life. When something happens in your life, don’t blame someone else. Don’t rely on others for your own life. You are the one living it. You have control of your reality. Own up to it and don’t be ashamed.
- And final: The wise words from Noah Centineo , “It matters not what you’ve done, but what you do with what you’ve done for others” or something along those lines of what he meant.
Reflect back on your life. I guarantee you’ve grown more than you think.
