Being a teenager can be some of the worst and best times of your life. You experience multiple things for the first time in your life.

For example, driving, dating, how to do things on your own, transitioning into adulthood, and more. You also learn many things from your parents, friends, teachers, co-workers, bosses, etc.

In my personal experience, I’ve learned how to be more responsible, be more proactive with certain things, and be a better person. When I was 14 years old, I got my first job. I would get paid and blow my check in the first two days of a two-week period. Over the past few years, I have learned how to manage my money because now I have more things to pay for. For instance, gas, car insurance, personal needs, etc. Now that I can drive, I don’t need to wait for rides. Therefore, I can become more active in things. For example, I am able to help teach dance classes for longer. I am also able to work on myself by going to the gym more and eating healthier. Which I’ve discovered over the past few years actually matters. I have also learned to be more active around the house. Things as little as doing the dishes or a load of laundry really helps my parents out.

The most important thing I’ve learned was to be a better person. You never know what someone is going through so you always try and help as much as you can. Maybe you can do this by giving someone a ride if you’re able or giving them that loose change you won’t need later, or even just giving someone a compliment to brighten their day. Doing little things like these has really made me become a better person. Like I’ve stated, I have learned a lot, but guess what? I’m still learning and so are you.

Every day is a learning process. Keep striving for the best in your teenage years!