What I Wish I Knew At Age 18

Hey 18 year old, Learn how to cook steak, salmon, and macaroni cheese properly. Your mouth will thank you, and you'll be rescued from the next five years of shoe-leather meat, flabby microwaved fish, and grated-cheese-thrown-over-pasta.

Hey 18 year old, Make sure you have a variety of friends, especially friends who think differently than you.

Hey 18 year old, I wish I’d studied abroad in college. What a cool way to experience another country.

Hey 18 year old, Don’t feel pressured to find the love of your love. Trust me, there is still so much time! Enjoy being single, but don’t get complacent

Hey 18 year old, A college degree, is NOT a Golden Ticket to getting a job. What you should focus on instead is acquiring experience, both volunteer and professional. Also, take time to hone your personal skills and hobbies, so you have something for your portfolio.

Hey 18 year old, 90% of college is going to class. Just show up.

Hey 18 year old, Invest in shirts that are 100% cotton. Polyester= extra bad B.O.

Hey 18 year old, If you want to succeed, never repeat your mistakes. Make it a habit and see the change.✌️

Hey 18 year old, Don't do things under peer pressure or just because most if your friends do. Start thinking about where you want to be in next 10 years.

Hey 18 year old, College isn’t for everyone and even if it is for you it may not be worth the student loans. Consider community college, online programs, local state schools, and other affordable options as well.

Hey 18 year old, You won't always find a soulmate in high school. A lot of the time, those involved presently aren't mature enough. You'll find your person in the most unexpected places.

Hey 18 year old, A four-year college isn't for everyone, but if it is for you, get ready for one of the best experiences of your life.

Hey 18 year old, Either you just graduated or you are about to. You are an adult now. Treat people as your equal and develop skills that will bring you a richer life. Don't feel bad about taking a gap year but seriously consider college. It's important.

Hey 18 year old, You don't have to go to college. Only go if you know *precisely* why you are going. Working at an entry level job -- fast food, whatever -- is infinitely better than going to college for no reason. Shoot, join the military.

Hey 18 year old, do you want to live forever? Go into life extension research.

Hey 18 year old, Don’t get married yet. No matter how charming he might be, get to know him first and be sure he’s the one.

Hey 18 year old, It's ok to not know what you are going to do with your life. Trust me there is no rush.

Hey 18 year old, Don't take a payday loan. It's not worth it and will haunt you for a long time.

Hey 18 year old, Don’t blow all your money on booze and drugs. The fun is fleeting and more often than not, it causes more problems than it solves. Be responsible and don’t over indulge. Use the extra money to fund a more fruitful venture.

Hey 18 year old, I know you think the world is yours now but don’t forget to share your meaningful moments also with your family, so they don’t feel left out. You love them, show it.

Hey 18 year old, Don't try to rush things. Enjoy life. Start learning foreign languages.

Hey 18 year old, Don't judge people, it doesn't benefit anyone. Not them, not you, or anyone else

Hey 18 year old, you don't have to know who you are or what you want to be. You just need to have the willingness to take risks and see where it leads. Life is about experiences, not accomplishments.

Hey 18 year old, your youth has not ended at 17. there are paths open to you. getting a job is not scary and university time is one of the best years of my life

Hey 18 year old, Use your credit card responsibly or you could end up spending the majority of your 20's trying to get out of debt and fix your credit score.

Hey 18 year old, Don't think you know yourself, you're not emotionally strong or developed.

Hey 18 year old, You will always love your high school sweetheart. You will never forget him/her. I can't stress enough -- do everything you can to stay with that person. Don't live a life of wishing you had done more to be together.

Hey 18 year old, Go to college and finish in 4-5 years. There will be temptations to take a semester off, travel, follow a significant other, etc. Resist them. You will be 22-23 when you graduate, which is still so unbelievably young, but you don't know that yet.

Hey 18 year old, you've likely left school in your hometown by now, and might be heading to university, or to another country, or beyond. Perhaps you already did all of that, hard for me to say. Stay in touch with the friends you came up with.

Hey 18 year old, Just because she's pregnant doesn't mean you have to get married if the relationship is unhealthy or toxic. You can still be a good parent without a marriage.