Juniors (yes, I cannot let go of my senior status just yet), senior year is a special one. At least for me and those closest to me, the last year of high school was somewhat of a roller coaster -- in terms of attitude. Starting with the “sorry, I can’t. I have college essays to write” or even the more formative “f*** it” response that comes with the new year after the regular decision deadline, there is a lot of ups and downs. Senior year turned out to be a “roller coaster” for its speed and the unexpected twists and turns that might throw your mojo off; in the end, however, everyone riding will agree upon what an exhilarating experience you all just partook in.That being said, here are five things I wish I thought about before the safety rail lowers onto your lap for the next ride.

1. Friendships

This year serves as two things: an opportunity to deepen the relationships you have formed over the previous three years and to a discover friendship with those you may not have thought to have anything in common with. The friends that you make and sustain this year have the potential to be life-long friends and life lines when it comes time to walk onto a college campus for the first time. When you walk down the hallway, you could not only be looking at a best friend from childhood but perhaps an alter ego friend that you have not talked to since middle school. It is those you surround yourself with on a day-to-day basis that is a reflection of who you are, and who you want to be. You have the power to choose that. So, evaluate -- you do not have much time.

2. Relationships

Now, this may be a tough one for some people. I will start with relationships, the one you go on dates with. This obviously varies person to person (and there is no one right answer), but in my opinion, these people should not detract from those mentioned above. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend this year can be extremely rewarding with the potential of making memories you will cherish for the rest of your life. Just keep in mind the time scale and limited time you have left among those you walk the halls with starting in August. You do not want to be the guy or girl who, on graduation day, regrets missing opportunities for friendship because of maybe too much time spent thinking about or being with a boyfriend/girlfriend.

Now, onto the second type of relationship: family. All I really need to say here is that this is your last year with those who brought you up and made you who you are. So, do not neglect them because you will regret it. Friendships and relationships can come and go, but family will always be a part of who you are. Maybe instead of going out for the third Friday in a row, stay in and sit down at the dinner table with good ol’ mom and pops. Besides, they are the ones who not only invested 18 years of their time to you but, potentially, thousands of dollars next year and years to come. A quick thank you would not hurt.

3. Yourself

Mentioned briefly in friendships, senior year can be a time when you focus on who you are. I mean, you are going to have to in order to write college applications. For me, it was hard to put who I am exactly on paper -- let alone why exactly I would be a good fit at blah blah university. It took some pretty serious thinking and reflection to nail down who I am, but in doing so, I found out exactly who I wanted to be. This made writing about myself so much easier because I could attribute my physical actions to my non-physical ideals. But that’s what makes this year so special. Not only are you applying and choosing colleges that line up with who you think you are, but you also become the examples for those that will come after you.

4. Legacy

Again, what are those who come after you going to think of you; remember you by. Are you going to be the kid your biology teacher remembers for having a stellar worth ethic? Are the incoming juniors going to think of you as the “party grade?” You can only change yourself, and you have every right to do so. So, why not make a positive influence on those around you? You’ve spent so much time in the same place, with the same students, teachers, and administrators, so why not try to leave the place better than when you came in freshman year? This might not be a priority for those who are just dying to leave the place, but know that those teacher recommendations play a factor into a college’s decision about you.

5. College

Now finally, the hot topic of senior year. See now this comes with a balance, and it is different for everyone. Some people need an hour of studying the night before the ACT to score a 34, and some people might even already be committed to a college and have no extra work. Some people might have the opposite and take a practice test every Saturday for months and still be taking the test at the beginning of senior year while they are applying to 20 colleges. It all depends. Yes, college work should be a priority but not so much as to drain yourself to 3 hours of sleep every night editing your Common App essay. When decisions come out, remember that the application process is a crap-shoot -- potentially depending on how reviewers feel the day they open your file. So, for those of you freaking out, chill. You will get in somewhere. For those of you who have not taken a standardized test, get on that ish because that is your future, fam.

In an essence, enjoy the senior year ride while it lasts. Also, do not forget to make a funny face when the camera flashes because you’ll want to buy the picture at the end for the memories.