My baby cousin graduates high school tomorrow and I could not be more proud of him. It made me start to think of my own graduation that is coming up on being three years ago. Because I was in their place just a few short years ago, I know that they won’t appreciate what I’m telling them until it’s too late, but here is my advice to high school seniors everywhere.

Dears Seniors,

I know how excited you are. You have waited what feels like forever for graduation to finally arrive and it’s here. Senioritis has fully set in and you can’t wait to walk across that stage and get your diploma. It really is one of the most exciting things to sit with your class (who, in a small school like mine, feels like another family) in that dumb looking cap and gown ready to start the next phase of your life. But here’s my advice, do with it what you will.

1.Hug your Mom.

Hug her a lot and remind her how grateful you are to her. I know that it’s easy to get irritated with her when it’s nine in the morning, your graduation is for hours, and she has already taken five hundred photos of you. Roll your eyes and then smile for her picture because whether you realize it or not she worked just as hard to get you to this day as you did.

2. Thank every teacher you come in contact with.

Whether it’s the teacher that had the hardest class that you really wish you hadn’t had or the teacher that you loved and will dearly miss, in some way they have played a part and they are proud to see you accomplish your goal.

3. Take a ton of pictures.

You know that kid that you never really talked to and kind of forgot was even in your grade, take a picture with him. You want to remember everyone (ok this may apply to those of you who went to a big school, but you get what I’m saying)

4. Cry if you need to.

I’m sure you know the saying, “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Well, that is true, but when you are watching the video of every person in your senior class and realizing it’s all over its ok to cry a little (or a lot).

5. If one of your fellow classmates calls for a group hug, do it.

Don’t act like you’re too cool, we all know you aren’t. Get in there and hug those people!

6. Hug you’re friends parents.

They have been a huge part of your life and they're proud of you. Let them know you appreciate them!

7. Before you walk out stop.

Stop and look around. Take it all in. You will never be in this moment with these people again. Try to remember every little thing. Smile and walk out filled with pride because you did it!