By the time you read this article, I will be one year older. Yes, I shamelessly scheduled my Student Life Spotlight article to run on my birthday. Genius, I know. I won’t trouble you with my age, but I have learned a lot about life: what it means, how to avoid adulthood and much more.

Lucky for you, I'm to share some nuggets of knowledge I have picked up over the years.

In no particular order, here are 26 life lessons I learned in 26 years.

1. Use the bathroom before you leave anywhere—you never know where life will take you.
2. If you have the option to order from the kid’s menu at a restaurant, do it.
3. Always remember to say “please” and “thank you”—it’s not a sign of weakness but instead humility and respect.
4. Know those times you forget to apply deodorant or perfume? Just own it and do not let it ruin your day.
5. Always carry deodorant or perfume (see number 4).
6. Try to remember phone numbers—I know it is not necessary anymore (thanks smartphones) but it will one day come in handy, I promise.
7. Have a great pair of fancy shoes—it’s okay to splurge once in a while.
8. Learn how to properly type— ‘home row’ keys and all, no peeking.
9. Oh and on the subject of communication; learn how to write legibly.
10. Know how to start, hold and end a face-to-face conversation—ghosting is not cool.
11. Call a loved one or dear friend once in a while—I am sure they are thinking of you too.
12. Try not to procrastinate—I am still learning this one, too.
13. Get up early and eat breakfast—also, still learning this one.
14. Find your signature style—this takes time. It’s also okay if your style is having none.
15. Mistakes happen, make sure you learn from them.
16. Positive self-talk is important—no one will praise you the way you can praise yourself.
17. Find a mentor—college will end and you will graduate to adulthood, make sure you have someone you trust to help guide you.
18. Drink water every day.
19. Reflect on how far you have come—college is tough and you will learn so much, take time to realize that.
20. Always be prepared for anything.
21. Earn your education—then no one can take it away from you.
22. You can never have too many sunglasses—shade out the haters.
23. Check your email daily—class cancellations and other vital information will be there.
24. Pay your bills—they will pile up.
25. It’s okay to not be okay—we will understand.
26. Be able to laugh at yourself—just enough to keep you sane and humble. 

About Student Life Spotlight

Over the new few weeks, a different staff member in Student Life will share a piece of themselves with you. They’ll reflect on what’s important to them and what they believe will help you to make the most of your time at Texas Wesleyan.

No, they won’t be simply pitching their programs and services at you under the guise of a cleverly crafted article, but rather, digging deep to identify what has been most transformative about their experiences in life thus far and passing that wisdom as best they can on to you.