19 Pieces Of Advice I've Acquired From Being Young (And A Little Dumb)

Youth is everything. The young embrace it and the old admire it.

Young adult years are the most memorable (and probably forgetful) of your entire life. We're young and dumb. We make mistakes, take risks, and in the present moment, don't give a sh*t about what we do to our bodies.

We disobey our parents, consume things that are illegal and stay out way too late for our own good. But we also work hard, spend countless hours studying, make lifelong friendships and fight for a humane and just society.

These moments define us and tell us who we are and whom we'll become. Like sand through an hourglass, these are the "Days of Our Lives" (I hope you skipped school enough as a child to indulge in daytime soap operas).

I recently turned 20 years old; I have officially left my teen years behind me.

Throughout my past 19 years, I've made a plethora of mistakes: getting arrested, ending up in the emergency room because of alcohol poisoning and even getting suspended from middle school.

Despite a few setbacks in life, I'm also proud to rave of my accomplishments: I have a job, apartment and attend a private university in San Francisco (the best city ever).

The past 19 years of my life have been a complete sh*tshow of adolescent life lessons that have shaped me into the man I am today.

The people I've met, whether or not they've continued to stay in my life, have all played a vital role in teaching me valuable life lessons.

From how to avoid getting arrested (which I later found useless) to getting good grades in school to uncovering my own voice, the good, bad and ugly people in my life have shared an abundance of wisdom that I hope is applicable to you as you enter the "childhood of your adulthood."

Here are a few pieces of knowledge that I've acquired from being young (and a little dumb):

1. Never throw away your tomorrows.

This is a mix between carpe diem and YOLO. If not me, then who? If not now, then when?

2. Your body is forgiving.

Drink and eat like sh*t while you can. Before you know it, you won't be able to jump out of your dorm room bed, ready for another night of power hour.

3. Your parents won't always know what's best.

However, your parents will be there for you when your friends are not. Trust me, when you get in trouble, your parents will be the ones to pick you up and bail you out, not your friend who is also afraid of getting in trouble.

4. You don't get into trouble for making mistakes.

You aren't a child anymore. You don't get sent to time out. You learn from mistakes and move on.

5. Friendship is a two-way street. 

It takes two to end a friendship. Remember that before you subtweet about someone.

6. Every person you meet has something interesting to share.

Stop talking about yourself; be open, listen and ask questions.

7. Your social media status does not define you.

Oh, you got a lot of likes on Instagram? Is it because you're popular or because you hashtagged everything in the dictionary?

8. Remember your roots.

Your childhood affects your life whether you like it or not. Don't be afraid to unhinge your childhood to grow as an adult.

9. Work hard, play harder.

Thank you, happy hour.

10. Education is one of the few things you can give yourself.

Don't take it for granted.

11. Learn how to adapt quickly.

But don't lose yourself in the process. The world is really freaking big. You don't have to like everyone, but you do have to learn how to work with everyone.

12. If you don't ask, you will not receive.

So, what are you waiting for?

13. Dreams are harder to achieve in reality.

Make a game plan.

14. Bad company corrupts.

It's all fun and games until someone gets arrested... or ends up dead.

15. If you fail, fail forward.

Don't make the same mistake twice.

16. If you're going to spend money, spend it on memorable experiences. 

...Not fast fashion. You'll end up looking like your worth ,anyway (how much your shirt from H&M costs).

17. Common sense is not so common.

Even Siri can't help everyone. Be patient and take time to explain things in detail. Both parties benefit: You learn how to be a better mentor and the other learns how to be a better student.

18. Be nice to the people helping you.

Remember to say thank you.

19. If you don't remember, it didn't happen.

Your get-out-of-jail-free card.

Photo Courtesy: Tumblr