Dear Classmates,

Right now we are busy editing each other’s essays, going to our last high school football games, picking dresses for our last homecoming, and applying to institutions which will change our lives forever.

I am scared, and stressed, but mostly scared. All these years I have worked hard to be able to be considered by my top choice schools, yet what if it wasn't enough? What if I get denied from the school I had grown up loving? We all have worked so hard. I am scared it won't pay off.

I’m not only scared of college applications, but I am scared of the change they bring. The people we have grown up with, the people who have always been by our sides through the good and the bad could be across the country at this time next year. Our families and houses could be a long plane ride away, and we will be working harder than we have ever worked before. In the times when we will need a lot of support, our support systems may be hundreds of miles away.

With fear comes growth and I am confident we will all grow to be amazing people and go on to change the world in our own little, or big, way. It is important to remember where we came from and thank all the people who have helped us along the way. So, I am thanking all of you.

Thank you to my friends who have supported me through everything and who have seen me at my worst and helped me become the best person I can be. Thank you to the smartest kids in my classes, you challenged me to become a better student, and have helped edit my college essay which will help me in the future. Thank you to the teachers, both tough and easy. You have taught me that I can achieve more than I thought, and shown me that school can be enjoyable and easy sometimes.

We all might see each other around campus, or at home for holiday breaks, just know that I will never forget these last four years and the impact you all have had on my life. I have high standards for the rest of our school year, and I hope you all do too. It is our last year let's make it count! Always remember, no matter how far we may go, or how successful we may become, our roots are here, but our branches have no limitations.

Best Regards,