I just turned 20 years old a couple weeks ago, but despite 20 being a huge milestone (two decades, woo-hoo!) I don’t feel much older or wiser than I did when I was 19. However, 20 years is a long time, and even though I still feel like I’m figuring out how to function, I’ve learned a lot in the time I’ve been alive, so I figured I’d share some of the highlights.
- Take big risks.
Sometimes you just have to take the leap. I would have missed out on so many life-changing opportunities if I hadn’t pushed myself out of my comfort zone.
- Care for your body.
Invest in your future self. It’s so important to eat well and exercise so that when you grow old, you are able to spend those years enjoying yourself rather than being in pain.
- Trust your intuition.
You know more than you think you do. When in doubt, go with your gut.
- Listen to your mom.
She didn’t pay me to say this, I promise, but my mom is the first person I turn to for any advice. She always knows what to say and is usually right.
- Carry a tide pen with you.
Seriously, this one is a lifesaver. I’ve spilt sauce on my white sweater far too many times, and it’s completely gotten it out.
- One bad grade won’t ruin your life.
Many bad grades probably won’t ruin your life, either. I’ve had my fair share of bad exams and tests, especially in university, but none of those have made any difference in my academic or career path at all. We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but the important thing is that you don’t let the weaknesses undermine your confidence.
- Drink responsibly.
It’s taken me more wildly hungover mornings than I care to admit to learn this one. Learn your limit, and take it slow.
- If you have the opportunity to travel, take it!
Trust me, if you have the means to go on that trip, do it. The memories will be so worth the money.
- Don’t fall into the social media overconsumption trap.
This is definitely easier said than done. I often find myself sucked in by TikTok videos reviewing makeup products and cute clothing, but I have to remind myself that I don’t need any new products right now. It’s better for my wallet and the planet that I hold off.
- Self-acceptance > self-love
I’ve struggled with the idea of self-love for a really long time. I eventually realized it might be easier and healthier for me to just come around to the idea of accepting myself despite my flaws, rather than total “self-love”. We’re taking baby steps here.
- Prioritize your sleep.
I know that as students, a lot of times we all pull all-nighters cramming to get assignments done, but you have to start making the time to get in a full 7-8 hours of sleep. It’s so important, and the long-term effects of sleep deprivation can be very detrimental to your health. The assignment can wait.
- Read more books.
Reading is good for your brain. We should all do more of it. Get a library card! I did, and it was a fantastic decision. The Waterloo Public Library has a great selection of books.
- Learn to cook.
I’m eternally grateful I took the time to learn to cook. It’s saved me so much money because eating out is so expensive now! Don’t get me wrong, I love an occasional Uber Eats order when I’m feeling lazy, but I’m so glad it’s not something I rely on.
- Go to office hours.
You’ve probably heard this one before. But seriously, it’s so important to make that connection with your professors. Going to office hours can be so helpful, it’s saved me so many times. My professors have been able to offer really great tips on assignments that I would never have known otherwise. And if you need to do a thesis later on in your academic career, it’s super important to get to know them now so that when it’s time to find a supervisor for your thesis, you have someone.
- Stop caring what people think.
Ugh, okay, I need to take a page from my own book on this one. It’s still a work in progress for me and probably will be for a while, but I think it’s something we all need to remind ourselves of. Life’s no fun if you’re living for the validation of other people.
- Notion is a lifesaver!
Especially for university. I use it to organize every aspect of my life now; my class schedule, my due dates, my meal plans, workout schedule, you name it! It takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s such a useful tool once you’ve got the hang of it.
- Despite what people say, high school will probably NOT be the best 4 years of your life.
I heard this phrase so many times when I was in high school, and I can confirm that it was absolutely not true. If you’re struggling now, hold on — there’s more to come.
- Get Involved!
Joining clubs and activities can help you learn new skills and make new friends. It can’t hurt to try a new activity; I tried ballet last term, and it was a really fun experience!
- Wear your sunscreen.
Skin cancer is scary. Even if you don’t burn, your skin can still be damaged by the UV rays. Be safe and make sure you apply sunscreen!
- Everything happens for a reason.
Whether or not this is actually true, this is a motto I live by. When something doesn’t go the way I want, that’s okay because it was destined that way. It’s opening me up to another opportunity. This mindset has saved me from a lot of devastation.