5 things I’m glad I did before turning 24

Here are things I’m glad I did before 24 / things to do in your 20s

I’m turning 24 in just two weeks. First of all, 2020 has both flown and dragged by. I can’t believe it’s almost over (but the pandemic and everything will still be dragging into 2021, I’m not in denial about that).

It’s wild to see how much the world has changed and I’ve changed in these past few months and years. Have you ever looked through your old computers and phones? I was just looking through my laptop from 2014 to 2016 or so and I couldn’t believe all of the writings and thoughts and photos I’d completely forgotten about.

I think sometimes we change so gradually and grow so subtly that it’s easy to forget how far we’ve come. Anyway, as another birthday approaches, I’ve started thinking about a few things I’m glad I’ve done. Maybe it’ll inspire you or make you reflect.

Here are things I’m glad I did before 24:

1. Lived with roommates.

In college, I lived in houses with seven other girls, and although it was far from a walk in the park it certainly taught me a bit about myself and how I like it live. Living with other people your age also gives you a sense of independence and forces you to learn a bit of patience.

Many passive-aggressive sticky note battles later, I’ve learned to (better) accept that not everyone lives as I do. I love having an empty sink, but others prefer to do the dishes the next day. I’d never do XYZ, but others are OK with it. I always do ABC, and others are bothered by it. Living with other people is another way to get to know yourself and what you want better.

2. Started building my credit.

I got my first credit card when I was 18 or so, and it was connected as a user to my parents’ account (or something, my credit knowledge is limited). When I got my first “adult” job, I couldn’t wait to open up my own credit card that had perks (double cash back!) and I’m so glad I did.

Building credit can take time, so it’s good to get started early so long as you’re smart about it. I never charge more than I can afford to pay off. And I never viewed it as unlimited money, just another form of it.

3. Traveled internationally to a new country sans parents.

Traveling without parents or guardians to supervise is a very special experience. The first time I ever traveled to a different country without any adult supervision was when my friend and I visited Denmark in 2018. We didn’t speak the language and, honestly, I didn’t know too much about it beyond a few vlogs I watched and details I googled while I planned the trip.

I still remember that feeling I felt as the two of us got off of the train and stood in the middle of Denmark. It was drizzling, I was desperately trying to find our hotel. I didn’t speak Danish. We were totally on our own (thank god for technology) but I felt so…alive.

Exploring Copenhagen and navigating (and getting lost) was magic and worth every penny I spent. It’s made me feel so capable. That trip made me want to keep exploring the world, and it’s made me want to visit places I never thought about before.

4. Gotten my wisdom teeth pulled.

A weird one, but whenever I see adults in my life have to get this surgery I feel so relieved I don’t have to worry about it. I had my teeth pulled in high school over winter break and my only real concerns were if I could still text my crush post-surgery and if my face would be too bruised for selfies.

If I had to get that done now, I’d have to take time off from work and make more adult-y decisions. I’m so glad my wisdom teeth are gone and I had my parents around to buy me soup and fetch me an ice pack while I recovered from the miserable procedure.

5. Faced rejection, and learned how to deal with it better.

My tattoo, which says “Life goes on,” remains true.

I haven’t always been great at handling rejection. When I was in my younger teens, even the smallest rejection spiraled me into a dramatically sad poetry writing session and left me thinking the world was ending. I guess that’s being a teenager.

In the years since, rejection hasn’t gotten easier but I’ve gotten better at dealing with it.

The guy I liked didn’t feel the same way? Oh well, it wasn’t mean to be. I’m glad I know now so I don’t waste my time. I’m not getting the promotion I wanted right now? I know I deserve it and I will make it happen and prove them wrong.

When you start to think about rejection in terms of “It wasn’t a right fit” or “They’re wrong and I’m going to prove it,” it becomes more peaceful to accept or like an empowering fury to keep you moving along.

Anyway, here’s to turning 24. So much left I still want to do!