It’s crazy to think not only was I in your shoes exactly one year ago, but now I am almost done with my freshman year of college. Not that I really know everything about being a high school senior, but I hope I can help you with the knowledge I do have.
To the student who hasn’t decided on a school yet:
It is not a big deal. Yes, it might seem like you have to decide right now, or you'll be left behind because all your friends are committed but that's simply not the case. First off, your decided friends are probably a little nervous for what lies ahead even if they seem very confident with their decision. Also, know that there isn't always an overwhelmingly perfect choice like some people may lead you to believe and that is OK. I know so many people have been posting their declared schools and whatnot, but that should never push you to rush your decision! So coming from someone who actually decided on May 1st, don’t rush it if you can. Do your research, talk to helpful friends, and don’t stress like crazy like I did.
To the student who isn’t going to their dream school:
I know it sucks, and you’re definitely not alone there. But what consolation I do have is that college is not at all what I thought it would be like in high school. So who knows if the college you were in love with in high school or even middle school would be what you wanted in actuality. I know that is probably not what you are thinking right now, but I have this crazy belief that everything happens for a reason: for a good reason. So look ahead, because a college who doesn’t want you just from some numbers they saw on a paper isn’t a school you would want to go to anyway.
To the student who is scared to leave and won’t admit it:
I was one of the many who refused to let my parents see how nervous I was for school. When I was dropped off at school, it was a simple and quick hug and kiss goodbye. I can’t tell you how worried I felt right after that moment. It was foreign to me. I never was homesick before I went to college but let me tell you, you won't be the only homesick one for sure. Every freshman is new and everyone at school is pretty alone so if I have one piece of advice for your first day: go and say hi. People are just looking to meet other new people when they come to school and no one is going to turn down someone being friendly. So put yourself out there because who knows if the next person you talk to is a friend for life.
To the students who can’t wait to leave:
OK, yes, college is a very good time and is something you should definitely look forward to. I know you’re counting the days until you can reinvent yourself and get away from the horrible halls of high school. But seriously, the memories you make in high school are not ones you’re going to forget. And senior year of high school is honestly one of my best memories yet. Nothing you do in college will ever change your high school memories or the lessons you learned there. You will make new friends come the fall, but they won’t replace the lifelong friendships that you made in high school. Your family, even as horrible as you think they might be, is really something to appreciate during these last few months and I wish someone had told me that more. Lastly, as fun and as new as college may be, it is definitely not the easy life and so try to enjoy the little things. There aren't many things better than living in the present.
To the students who don’t want to leave:
College is a scary idea: living on your own, professors who don’t care as much as your high school teachers, and no friends as close as the friends you’ve made at home. But college is a great new experience and people always refer to it as the best time of your life. I think so far, I have really enjoyed it but I am not going to sugar coat it by saying it is always amazing. But there are so many awesome things about college because you will meet some pretty awesome people, learn things you never knew, and definitely grow a lot as a person.
To all graduating seniors:
Good luck wherever life takes you after high school. From now on, your life won’t be a “cookie-cutter” plan and everything won’t be mapped out. There will be bad things but also good things and although graduation is just a symbolic day to celebrate leaving high school, it is a big turning point in anyone's life. Keep your head up, stay focused, and don’t stress because change is a part of growing.
