Well, class of 2018, your lasts have officially begun. This is the last summer you have of high school. This is your last "do whatever you want summer" because next year will be full of dorm shopping, orientations, trips, college prep, and too many goodbyes. So here are some things I wish I would have done or I'm glad I did my summer going into my senior year.
1. Visit Potential Colleges
This is one of the most important things to do. It will give you an idea of what you like and what you don't like. Visit all sorts of colleges so you know what you prefer. From big to small and rural to urban. It will also help you in the fall when you need to make your final college decision.
2. Fill Out Your College Applications Starting August 1st
Your future self will thank you. Senior year is stressful enough with the class load, so do yourself a favor and start your applications August 1st and have them done by your first day of school. This way, it's done and you can focus on school, scholarships, and your social life.
3. Talk To Your Guidance Counselor
To be honest with you, I never went to see my guidance counselor my first three years of high school. Senior year, however, I was in there once a week. I had so many questions and your guidance counselor is the college expert. They can answer any questions you have. The guidance office is usually open during the summer, so don't be shy!
4. Start Joining School Facebook Pages
These Facebook pages will probably be titled "(insert college name) class of 2022." It will give you an idea of who will be your potential classmates and to also ask questions about the school. These pages are usually run by student monitors who attended the college or university and they want you to ask them questions. This is also where you can find future roommates if you don't want to go random.
5. Go To Concerts
Last summer I would miss certain concerts because I thought to myself "oh, I have next summer." Well now that this summer is here, I find myself not being able to go to those concerts because of trips or orientation or other college related things. It's also a great way to make memories with your friends, and they are always a blast!
6. Take A Chance
That guy that you've had a crush on since 8th grade. The girl who makes you get those butterflies in your stomach. Tell them. You have one year left of high school and if you leave knowing you didn't take that chance you will regret it. I know this is the one thing I regret most about high school.
7. Go On An Adventure
Next summer you won't have a lot of downtime. If there's something you have always wanted to do go out and do it. Take that two-hour drive to go hiking or go on a road trip with your best friends to an amusement park. Looking back a year from now you'll be happy you have those memories.
8. Get A Job
This upcoming school year is going to be filled with lots of fun things. You will want the extra gas or spending money to get food or go places with your friends. You won't always want to be asking mom and dad for extra money. Or, if you are thinking about going on a senior trip, consider paying for it yourself.
9. Buy Something Expensive
Soon all the money you have will be going toward college. So if there is something you've always wanted that's a little more on the pricey side, get it now!
10. Have Fun!
Take this time to relax and enjoy every minute. Like I said before, next summer is going to be crazy. You won't really have many days to catch your breath. Spend time with your friends, but don't forget about your family.
So, guys, the time is here. Your first last has just begun and will quickly end. Take it all in and take this advice to heart. I've been there before and wish I would have done some of these things to make my senior year a little less stressful. Live it up, class of 2018! It'll be over before you know it.
