As graduation season starts to approach, emotions flood the graduate’s minds. The joy of sunny summer months and the prospect of a new start brings smiles, while the sadness of leaving close friends behind, and the life they have grown to know fades away.

Graduation serves as a time of reflection for many. It truly is a gathering of all the achievements made during a long, hefty, 12 years of school. Since my graduation, I have reflected upon the years I have spent in my tiny town. I am beyond proud of myself of the transformation I have made in 4 short years, and I recognize all the ways high school has made me who I am today. I guess it also took me a semester and a half of college to finally admit it, but here I am.

1. Be careful what you say

In high school, we all know that gossip can spread as fast as wildfire. Teens also have ways of twisting words into things that are not true. To save the drama, just be careful what you say and think before you speak.

2. Find your people

They say as you get older, your circle of friends becomes smaller and smaller. At the end of the day, the friends who have a true connection with you, will actually be there for you. You do not need 100 friends to feel satisfied or popular. Having 1 true friend is a lot better than 100 fake ones.

3. Respect your teachers and connect with them

As a freshman, you may think this is stupid advice, but it is worth it. At the end of your high school career, you will look back and reflect upon all the wonderful teachers you had, and what an impact they have made on you. Your teachers want you to succeed. Also if you connect with your teachers, they will be good references for certain careers and colleges.

4. Be kind

As I reflect on my 4 years of high school, and all the memories I created, one thing stood out the most. My character had an impact on others around me; it helped create relationships that have benefited me in ways I can not even explain. It truly does pay to be kind to others.

5. You are going to change

Change is a good thing. Many of us are going to leave high school as a completely different person as the time we entered it. We may wonder or question the process, but life is full of changes. As time goes on, our perspectives, beliefs, and mindsets evolve too.

6. Have fun

4 years goes by pretty fast. Moments will pass by within a blink of an eye. So make sure you go to every football game. Eat all the Taco Bell you want, who cares about a diet? Your diet can wait. Just embrace every moment, because time passes quickly.

7. Embrace who you are

When we entered high school as tiny freshman, many of us desperately tried to fit in to be a part of the “popular group.” At times, this meant giving up our own identity to fit in. The truth is, everyone is different. Everyone is unique in their own way. We all have our own likes and dislikes. Never be afraid to be true to who you are.

So I leave you with this- look back on your 12 years of school - forget the negatives, and look at the positives. Be thankful for the friends you have made, the opportunities you have been given or the ones you've fought for, the lessons you've learned and the memories you'll never forget. These elementary school, middle school and high school years have shaped you into the person you are today. Take all of this excitement in and really appreciate it while you can. Then, enjoy the rest of your time as a high schooler and get ready for all of the awesome things that lie ahead in college, or the work force and life in general.