Thinking back to my 20th year, it was a rollercoaster! Fresh out of high school, I started college at Cal State Long Beach, studying Fashion Merchandising. Leaving home, even though it was just an hour away, was incredibly tough. I knew nobody, missed my mom and dog, and the whole dorm experience freaked me out. I cried when my parents dropped me off, but they gave me a two-week trial. I stuck it out, though, and ended up staying for four years.
That year was a big turning point. I dyed my hair platinum blonde, spent the summer at the beach, drove a white VW Jetta, got my first apartment, and experienced the joys (and downsides) of alcohol for the first time. Looking back, I’ve collected tons of advice from others about what they’d tell their 20-year-old selves, and here are my top twenty takeaways:
1. **Dump that boyfriend!** Seriously, if he’s not treating you right, let him go. There’s someone better out there.
2. **Find a creative outlet.** Start a blog, or any hobby that lets you express yourself. College and partying aren’t everything!
3. **Take care of your skin.** Wash your face, drink water, and protect yourself from sun damage.
4. **Love yourself.** Don’t obsess over your weight. I struggled with body image issues back then, even though I was a healthy weight. Be kind to yourself.
5. **Stop using tanning beds!** Seriously, it’s bad for your skin.
6. **Travel and enjoy your college years.** Your parents are helping out financially—take advantage of it! Explore.
7. **Diversify your income.** Don’t rely on just one job. Try lots of things to figure out what you love.
8. **Be yourself.** Don’t worry about what others think. Be authentic and embrace your uniqueness.
9. **Don’t rush growing up.** Enjoy this time! It goes by fast.
10. **Stand up for yourself.** Figure out what you believe in and speak up.
11. **Things don’t always go as planned.** Trust that everything happens for a reason.
12. **Don’t waste calories on bad beer.** Prioritize better choices.
13. **Finish your degree.** College might not always be easy, but it’s usually worth it in the long run.
14. **Don’t stress about small stuff.** It really won’t matter in a few years.
15. **Invest your money.** Start saving and investing early.
16. **Let go of toxic things.** Move on from people or situations that don’t make you happy.
17. **Listen to your mom.** She probably knows more than you think.
18. **You don’t have to like dubstep.** It’s okay to have your own tastes!
19. **Do what scares you.** It will make you stronger.
20. **Love and self-acceptance will come.** Be patient with yourself. It’ll all fall into place eventually.