As a recent high school graduate, I can honestly say I have experienced almost every emotion a high school senior can imagine. From excitement, anxiety, to just downright eagerness to get the heck out of my small town- I have felt it all. So, as a graduate of the class of 2017, I feel a sort of responsibility to give the new senior class a head up on what to expect and how to handle it. Class of 2018, here is my advice to surviving senior year successfully.

Don't Let Senioritis Win

We have all heard our teachers complaining about the seniors who never show up to class and never complete their work. Senioritis is a real thing and it is deadly. Just remember, you only have a year and it actually counts more than you think. Stay on top of your grades and DO NOT skip class. This will keep you from forming bad habits that you will carry on throughout college. Plus, who has ever heard of a valedictorian with 47 absences?

Go to Every Sports Event You Can

As a band member, I can relate to not knowing how sports work. Up until my senior year, I only attended football games and that was because I was required to. However, sporting events are actually more fun than you would think. You do not have to understand volleyball to help cheer on your classmates. Go to all of the games you can. These will be the last times you will get to cheer on your senior classmates. Plus, concession-stand food is awesome.

Apply for ALL the Scholarships

I know most of your parents will preach this to you later on this year, but scholarships are more important now than ever. With college tuition rapidly on the rise, furthering your education is almost impossible to do without being in thousands of dollars of debt. There are so many scholarships out there just waiting for you to find them. Literally, you can get a scholarship for anything. Left-handed? There's a scholarship for that. Under five feet tall? There's a scholarship for that.

Take Choosing a College Seriously

Whether you decide to go to community college for two years or go straight on to a four-year university, this will be one of the biggest decisions of your life. After all, you're choosing your home for the next few years. Visit every college you are interested in and don't settle for a college just because your parents are alumni or all of your friends are going to it. Make the decision for YOU.

Take in Every Minute

High School is a roller coaster. I know I never enjoyed it, but somehow, after graduation, I started to realize how much I was going to miss it. Go to the senior class parties and sign up for homecoming court. Listen to your teachers- this will be the last time they teach you anything. Hang out with your friends as much as you can. You may not see them at all after graduation day. And NEVER forget where you came from.