As many of you have probably returned from winter break, you may be starting to wonder what life will be like after your last semester of high school. I often remember asking myself questions like, “Will I choose the right college? Will it be where I truly belong? What if my GPA isn’t high enough?” or even questions like, “Who will be my prom date?” and “ What will it be like not seeing friends and family for months at a time if I go away far?” Whether you realize it or not, the months leading up to graduation fly by. So here are a few tips to help make them worthwhile.
1. Enjoy the last moments senior year has to offer.
Go prom dress shopping with your closest friends and make it a day you’ll always remember. Sometimes taking a day to spend time with special friends may be more worthwhile then prom itself! So, sit back and get a laugh or two out of how clique-y high school can be. From the lunchroom to the groups in the hallway, many don't seem to realize that after high school, you’ll only be seeing those who matter most to you.
Enjoy going down the hall and seeing smiling faces that look familiar to you, because pretty soon, you won’t get to see your class as a whole until your reunion! Most of all, make sure you treasure even the little things that high school has to offer.
2. Your SAT score and current college decision do not ultimately direct your life.
Although SAT scores are definitely a crucial part of college admission choices, the SAT scores are becoming less and less valued. Many schools are in fact becoming SAT optional, as they begin to see how the SAT does not by any means define a student as an individual. So, don’t worry if you’re not the ideal test-taker--it’ll all work out in the end.
Despite the many students who feel pressured to pick the “right college," many regret the fact that where you first begin college doesn’t mean you have to necessarily end there. People change, and as we grow, we learn and have a better understanding of what we like and what we don’t like. How can we possibly begin to fathom what type of college atmosphere we like best, if we don’t go and experience it first? Life is about the journey and all that comes along with it. Make the decision that feels best in your heart now, but don’t worry if it winds up not being your cup of tea. You can always transfer and find the better fit later on.
3. Enjoy every bit of your best friends' company.
Take advantage of how close your friends are in proximity to you now. Truly enjoy and make the most of each others' company, because depending on the distance, you may not see them for a few months. It may not seem like a long time (especially because you’ll become inundated with your current life), but in reality, you’ll realize without them, the true feeling of comfort and home aren’t there. Cherish all the time you have with them now.
4. Treasure your showers and home cooked meals.
There’s nothing like not having to wear shower shoes in the shower at home. Take serious advantage of that, because showers at college are very different from those at home. Also, take all the opportunities you have to eat all the home cooked meals you possibly can! Although college food and dining aren't bad, there’s nothing that even comes close to mom or dad’s cooking once college rolls around.
5. Take everything with a grain of salt.
Don’t stress too much over anything, and take all that is throw your way with a grain of salt. Meaning, don’t take anything to heart or let any of it bring you down! This is your senior year, and you cannot let anyone else ruin the end of your high school career. Don’t worry if you don’t get the 5 on the AP test-most schools accept 3’s or 4’s. Do your best, but don’t stress! It's all you can ask for!
For all of you soon-to-be Class of 2017 graduates, keep in mind that this is your year and it’s up to you to make it fabulous! Treasure all those around you now, for things will definitely evolve much sooner than you think! Most of all, enjoy it all now, and make senior year the most memorable of them yet!
