• Done
  • Go skinny-dipping!

It's the most liberating thing ever. You have to let go of your insecurities when you take off your clothes. But you're hidden by the water — so it's like bending the rules. Who decided we have to wear clothes, anyway?

• Save $1,000.

Just seeing that big number in your bank account is rewarding — knowing you did it alone.

• Know your grandparents.

Ask them (or your parents) about their lives at your age. You might be shocked by how much insight they have — and the crazy things they did!

• Learn to drive a stick shift.

You never know when you'll get into a situation where you may need to know how. Plus, in terms of gas, these cars are better on your wallet.

• Forgive someone.

A girl wrote "b****" on my locker when I was 16, and it always ate away at me inside. But when I made amends with her, the bad feelings evaporated.

• Go to a drive-in.

Seriously, the best place on earth! Where else can you watch a movie, get a great burger, talk and walk around with friends, and see the stars — all at the same time?

• Do your own laundry.

It's the first step on the long (but gratifying) road to independence.

• See the ocean.

I felt so small next to this huge, timeless thing — and it inspired me to make the most of my life.

• See one thing that is "the world's largest."

Even if it's just a frying pan — at least it can be your temporary claim to fame!

• Leave the country.

Going to England, I realized how narrow my world really was — and that travel was the best way I could expand it.

• Learn how to love your body.

I'm just now starting to feel perfect as I am because I have knobby knees and moles — not in spite of them.

• Take a road trip.

Mapping the route, singing at the top of your lungs, and discovering new towns with friends is the ultimate bonding experience.

• To Do
  • Learn to play a musical instrument.

I can play only a few chords, but I love the expressive power of music — and the possibility that one day you can learn to create something beautiful through it.

• Buy a lottery ticket.

But just one. Everyone should take one million-to-one shot in their lives — it's fun to dream such a big and outrageous dream.

• Win an award.

It doesn't matter if it's a contest for role models or pie-eating — you can be the best at something. And there's no fulfillment quite like everyone else knowing it too.

• Say "I love you."

It takes courage to be vulnerable. But it's the only way to create the possibility that someone will love you back the way you deserve.

• Milk a cow.

I was terrified to do it, but conquering this small thing helped me do even bigger scary stuff.

• Have your fortune told.

Sure, it's kind of silly. But doing it is really a reminder that in the end, only you hold the power to chart your own destiny.

• Ride a horse.

Okay, it might sound cheesy, but when you connect with this animal and the wind blows through your hair, it's the closest feeling to real freedom.

• Donate your formal dresses.

You'll give someone the chance to be a princess for one night. (And, yes, it's okay to feel like one!)

• Waitress at least once.

Serving someone is humbling, plus it teaches you how to communicate and multitask — two skills you'll use forever.