Senior Week -- a bizarre ritual practiced by countless recent high school graduates across the country. Often abbreviated "SWEEK," the seven days of madness allows kids to be free and live in a new location with old friends while creating memories they will remember (whether they want to or not) for a lifetime. However, the week does come with a little step by step guide. So here it is, the official 10 steps to surviving Senior Week.
1. It's only one week. You want to make it.
For many, the first week living alone with friends 24/7 for an entire week with little to no sleep is one of the worst things imaginable. However, like most things in life, the week is a marathon and not a sprint, so treat it that way. Make a bucket list, see everyone you want to one last time, have fun and pace yourself while doing it. The name of the game is surviving, not thriving.
2. "Relax you're on beach time."
This is what the poster over my bed at our rented beach house reads. Although cheesy, it's very true. For people who don't live by the ocean all the time, enjoy the nature and scenery around you. While hanging out all the time with friends is exciting, so is exploring the new area around you. Go for a walk, watch a sunrise, to put it simply, spend the time to explore.
3. Do not cry over boys...or girls...then again, limit crying at all costs.
Often times, the combination of sleep deprivation, malnutrition, dehydration and all other bodily harm practiced throughout the week can make people well...a little emotional. Simply remember where you are and the best friends you're with and all the little things that make you want to cry like Kim K. will disappear.
4. Call your parents.
This is a big one most kids do little to none of throughout the week. However, your parents are the ones who not only allowed you and most likely paid for you to go, so the least you can do is call. Not only will you have a humorous conversation with your parents, but they also can sleep safely knowing you're OK.
5. No judgement.
Having a million recent high school graduates living together on the beach for an entire week will be undoubtedly insane. Simply take all of your experiences with a grain of salt no matter what the circumstance may be.
6. Take a mid-week break.
Even though it's a marathon, that doesn't mean you don't need a break. Everyone does, you're human. Take the time to sleep and rest whenever you need. The fun will still be there when you're refreshed. When in doubt, power naps always work wonders.
7. Girls nights and guys nights are not only encouraged, but required.
This pro tip can go hand in hand with the "mid-week break" tip above. Not only is a night in with the best friends a great way to recuperate, but also an opportunity to be with everyone in one setting for all hours of the night one last time.
8. Uber will become your best friend.
In this teenager spread of madness across the beach, which in my case is across the Jersey Shore, transportation is key. Enjoy the Uber rides; it's just another final moment to goof off with old friends. What I do in each Uber is ask the driver what their most interesting Uber ride story is. Trust me, the variety of responses are endlessly entertaining.
9. Nutrition is still important.
Even though you think you are an invincible 18-year-old who can live off of no water and pretzels and peanut butter for an entire week, at least some portion of nutrition still matters. Not only is being at least a little healthy good for you and your well-being, but it gets you that much further to completing the marathon that is "SWEEK."
10. Be thankful that it happened, but be thankful it's over.
As if grad parties and graduation themselves weren't enough, this is the real goodbye for many. With this fact, be thankful you had a seven day goodbye to your childhood friends. They were the ones with you for most of your life at this point aside from your family members. However, with all memories, tears, laughs and sleepless nights aside, be happy it happened and be happy it's over. It only means you are one step closer to college and letting go as you enter your new stage of life.
Happy and safe "SWEEK" to all!
