If you could be 20 again, what would you do differently?

Question

I'm 20 years old, and I'm in college. I'm tryin to make the most of my life and experience in college, and trying to figure out who I am. I'm studying Public Relations and International Business, and I'm also studying abroad next semester with my boyfriend. I was wondering, if you had a chance to be 20 again, what would you do differently. I'd like some insight on how to make the most of your life, and help figuring out who I am as a person. What things are important at this age?

Answer 1

If I could get back the last 4 years of my life (I'm 24) I think I'd save more money, be more cautious about finacial matters and not get myself into so much cebt, and start college.
I started working in a mental health field that only required a highschool diploma. 4 years later I'm still doing it, I make decent money but I'm getting burned out with no other options because I haven't gone to college still and I can't make what I'm making here anywhere else without more education.

Answer 2

It's funny that you talked about college because when I opened the question I had every intention of saying that what I'd do is stay in college and go back to dancing school.
I am now 29 and feel that school has always been the one thing I love and could count on yet I threw it all away in my early 20's. I'm 29 and I'm just getting back to college, I have to wait until January but I'm going back, I've been approved for aid, etc. Over the last 10 years I've had poor jobs that barely paid and took advantage of me. I was denied promotions in spite of proven ability without training mind you. So I'd have to give you the typical lecture of staying in school because no one deserves the kinds of jobs I had over the last 10 years. They were dumb jobs that a trained animal could do but the treatment was very poor by the higher ups. I was paid barely enough to keep bills paid and food, contact lenses, etc.
I encourage you to stay in school in order to keep the dreams you have for your future alive and attainable. School is my priority now, I will not work for another employer such as my last one and the only way to ensure that is by being educated enough for a better place to want me.
I am going for a Business Degree to open my own dance studio. Because dance and education are the 2 things I've loved since age 2. I have an utmost respect for education and dance they are the only things that give to me and never expect anything in return. They have no demands. Knowledge is power and power can be priceless.

Answer 3

I would'nt have spent so much time, energy, and emotion on ppl (friends, co-workers, guys) who weren't worth it, and not even going to be AROUND in a couple of years!
This is such a precious and fleeting moment in your life, that you shouldn't ever waste it or take it for granted!
Also, I would never have sun tanned, or done anything else to wear on my skin, body or looks.
DO NOT GET A TATTOO! It is a FAD, and you will only regret it later as your tastes and views change!
Ppl always think the good skin, good body, and energy they have at 20 is gonna last forever! It doesnt.
And do not ever let someone photograph, videotape, or audio tape something that can come back to haunt you later in life.
And DO NOT risk getting a criminal record, like shoplifting for fun or something, because it stays, and later when you get serious and want a certain job , or enter the public eye, politics, whatever........it will embarass and hinder you, and ppl will judge you, even if you were "just young and stupid" One bad second in time or lapse in judgement can ruin your life!
And watch out who and how many ppl you sleep with, because that will come back to haunt you later too, if you get an STD, or you want to marry someone and they hate your sexual/relationship "past". It's harmful and a waste of energy anyway to be promiscuous. My pal was that way, and she's infertile now and cant have children from an STD from a college bf who cheated on her. And she lost a great man who couldn't take how many guys she'd been with.
Just be careful, thoughtful in your actions, and realize that everything matters in terms of your future.
Travel as much as you can, I wish I had traveled more.
Meet people from as many cultures and walks of life as you can, and get as good an education as you can.

Answer 4

If I could be 20 again I would definitely save more money and invest so that when the time came to purchase a home and care for a home, I'd be in a better position to do so.

Answer 5

Not much I would do differently. I just wouldn't have taken what I did so seriously. Keep exploring and keep all options open as long as you can. The only real regrets are for the things I didn't do. I am not talking about mindless pleasures but opportunities for new experiences, growth, and learning.
Good luck, be brave and believe in your ablilities.

Answer 6

I would make more decisions based on what I know now. It's always better to say "oh, I wish I didn't do that", than, "oh, I wish I would have done that"

EDIT!!! Ok I have to add more, because everybody is all "save money blah blah blah" screw it! Do me a favor and read "honeymoon with my brother" a great book about a guy who sells everything he owns and travels the world with his brother because he worked so hard he never had a chance to LIVE. Go to Europe! Go to Japan! Just go and LIVE.

Answer 7

I would save more money and invest it - just a little bit at a time. Doesn't have to be much.
I would realize that I don't have to figure everything out right away. I would be more patient with myself, knowing that I have a lot of time to figure things out.
I would not be so hung up on relationships with the opposite sex.

Answer 8

I would've invested more money into stock market.
i would not have quit a certain job, I had. I would've loved to have studied abroad and become fluent in a language earlier than in my 30's

Answer 9

I would advise you to start saving now. Take advantage of any eductional opportunity you have NOW. As you get older, it will become harder to learn new things. When the kids come along, things will become even harder to achieve.

That's a few pointers I picked up along my 42 year journey.

Answer 10

You'll slowly figure out who you are with time and experience --- you are doing the right thing by keeping yourself open to new experiences. Just keep it genuine and keep it light.