Boston. There’s just something about it that makes you feel connected to everyone and everything in it, no matter where you’re from. For those of you who don’t know, I used to live in Massachusetts and went to high school in Newton. So really, Boston was all I ever really known, besides my own small town.
As a part of my birthday weekend, my dad took my cousins and me to Assembly. We first stopped at Cafe Nero, and it’s better coffee than anything I’ve ever had. Seriously, try their Cafe au lait (that’s “coffee with milk” in French).
There’s just something about the city in general that just makes me feel at home. By this time, I’ve lived in Rhode Island for two whole years.
Yes, I’ll be turning 22 tomorrow, May 28. PLEASE don’t play that annoying Taylor Swift song! My 21st year has been one for the books. I’m currently sitting in the Middletown Starbucks contemplating this past year. I’ve grown mentally, in muscle mass (I do love my upper body workouts), academically, and professionally. I said this once and I’ll say it one more time: I’ve lived this year with absolutely no regrets, and that was my ultimate goal in life.
So, for the girl about to turn 21, or turned 21 recently, here’s what you need to know:
1.) ALWAYS have your ID ready. Just because you’re 21, that doesn’t mean your server will necessarily trust you on that.
2.) Your parents (especially your mom) are always right.
3.) Stick up for yourself and your rights as a human being in this crazy, scary world of ours.
4.) It’s absolutely okay to be single.
5.) Don’t use your phone ALL THE TIME.
6.) Try something new.
7.) Find that one older “mentor” that you look up to.
8.) If you’re thinking about transferring colleges, weigh out the pros and cons and just do it.
9.) It’s always okay to say ‘no.’
10.) You don’t have to please everybody.
11.) Focus on YOU and only YOU — don’t worry about what other people think of you.
12.) Pray. God is good.
13.) Follow your dreams, if you know what you want to do with your life. Email that company you’ve been dying to intern at.
14.) Don’t be so hard on yourself. We all make mistakes.
15.) Don’t have high expectations. You’re being introduced to the real world.
16.) Workout — it releases endorphins!
17.) Write — it helps with any situation, especially poetry.
18.) Take a class on something you never thought you’d want to learn. I mean, hey, for my Arts Management minor, I’m taking business classes.
19.) Clean up your social media. Get rid of those toxic people from your friend list.
20.) Cry. It’s healthy. The feeling sucks, but it’s temporary.
21.) Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
22.) And finally, for one to grow on, if you want something to happen, you have to make it happen.
Being 21 definitely brought some realizations of who I really am. This is your chance to find out who you really are, too.
I already know that 22 will be a fantastic year. I’ll be doing what I love: writing and editing. Also, I’m pleased to announce that I’ve been selected as my Campus Entertainment Network’s Public Relations Chair! ☺
The next time you hear from me, I’ll be an intern/working girl. Be ready to hear all about my adventures in Providence!
The April Diaries 