50 Things to do Before Turning 21

So on Wednesday, I turn 21! Eeek! I live in the UK, so turning 21 doesn’t mean I can legally drink though. Instead, I’m excited to make the year of being 21, my best year yet – somehow. However, I’ve done a lot already. There’s a lot of things that everyone MUST MUST do before turning 21, because they’re the fun, growth-inducing things that all children or teens should go through in order to Ace life. Others, I’ve done and feel they are noteworthy. But it’s my birthday soon, so of course, I’ve been thinking. And thinking, gets me sharing…

So here’s the list:

Get a good education: I have great GCSEs; 32 International Baccalaureate Diploma points (college level 16-18 years old); completed a year of a degree; achieved a Social Media Marketing Diploma with a Distinction; looking to finish my degree at some point
Fall in love
Have a real relationship: I’ve been in a real relationship for a year and 3 months now
Finish something you’re proud of: Of course, mine are my books!
Start a real hobby: Photography, writing and cinema
Blog, just blog anything: Photography and life writing blogs
Volunteer: I run Anxiety and Depression Anonymous sessions and volunteer at my local community centre
Fix or distance yourself from a bad mistake: I wrongly published my first book with a company I wasn’t happy with, but I got out of their contract and I’m republishing the book
Lose your innocence: Of course there’s no pressure, but statically, most people lose their virginity before they’re 21. I’m no exception. But you’ve also got to find your naughty side, which I sure did too! *wink wink*
Put your creativity out there: I write voluntarily for a youth magazine, and other online sites. Plus, I’ve published three books.
Become more professional: I have my own author’s website; my own business cards; and a decent social media presence.
Learn to cook
Have a job: I’ve worked in retail, which I think is a great milestone for everyone! Plus I’ve had a full time job, though I left it.
Help others: My ADA sessions as aforementioned.
Run an event: In May, I shall be hosting a Mental Health Awareness Event.
Learn to drive: I passed my test when I was 19, and had my own car to drive for 6 months which was a great experience that gave me independence.
Get a tattoo: I have two, and I’m looking forward to the third.
Met new people.
Change your hairstyle
Become more confident with who you are.
Go clubbing.
Develop your own sense of style
Try new foods and restaurants.
Be part of a team(s).
Be accepted into a partner’s family.
Go on holiday without your family.
Start paying rent, or at least some of it.
Have an anniversary in a relationship.
Pay for car insurance.
Learn to pay your way, and handle your money: I pay rent, have paid for car insurance, and have plenty of direct debits for entertainment like Netflix, Audible and Cineworld Unlimited!
Go out of the country.
Visit the typical attractions that everyone must see: Theme parks, zoos, safari parks, the theatre etc.
Have a pet(s): I’ve had fish, rabbits, hamsters, a turtle and a cat.
Plan and dream for your future.
Donate to a charity or foundation that you care about.
Stop associating with bad people: I start speaking to the people who didn’t do anything for me, instead I only care for those who care for me.
Start a petition for something you care about.
Be adventurous: Go camping, hiking, climb a mountain, go in the sea etc.
Be a stupid, playful child and teen.
Get caught with hickeys or doing something you shouldn’t *wink*
Experience being a leader.
Get drunk and pull whilst on a night out.
Complete a fun run, even a small one.
Go to prom.
Get through tough times: I’ve survived depression, anxiety and loss of a friend.
Watch the best critically acclaimed TV shows and Films.
Learn a new language, or at least start.
Get hurt by someone.
Be a fan girl for something.
Develop a backbone: Don’t just let people walk all over you, you’re too old for that now!

So these are the things that I’ve done before turning 21. They all vary for country to country, person to person, but I’m happy with what I’ve done. In a way though, none of it matters. You don’t need to tick things off of a list. As long as you’re happy with your decisions, as long as you can smile, then you have nothing to explain. That’s what growing up means – not partying, not doing stupid stuff, not pulling or getting into relationships, just doing what you want, because you want to. Being utterly unapologetic. So grow up the way you want to.

~ Damsel