To start, I have to tell you how much I miss you all. I have three years worth of amazing friends that have shown me just how incredible this new generation is. I miss walking down the hallways of our high school and excitedly greeting at least three of you between every class. I loved being your friend and 'mom'. I know I barely get to visit, but when I do, my heart is so full of love for every one of you. I miss being able to spend all day with you and feel all of that love from every direction. I never truly understood why I received so much of that warm, fuzzy, love, but I must have been doing something right.

My now seniors, I'm so proud of you. I so fondly remember your first days of high school because it was the first year that I wasn't the one wandering around, lost and a little scared. I got to see it from the other side. I loved you and took you under my wing, even though I wasn't much help considering I was only a year ahead. I often forget you're just a year younger, because we helped each other grow so much in the years we shared. You'll be out in the world with me soon, so don't waste your time while you have it. Enjoy every second of your last year because as cliche as it sounds, it flies by.

The juniors are a bit luckier because they came in at a time where I was on track to be who I am today. The year I was given the loving nickname of 'mom'. I steered you in the right direction for two years and now you've taken over for me. I see so much incredible power and potential from you all in the next year when you take the reigns as seniors. You're all headstrong but brilliant, so try not to kill each other. I'll be checking in.

My beautiful sophomores. I only got one year with you but it was the best year of all. I honestly believe that your class is the one that will literally take over the world after graduation. You're all so talented and smart and compassionate that I can't believe that you're as young as you are. You're my true 'babies'. When I was a senior and you were still freshmen, I would always wonder why kids that I had literally never talked to before would greet me so happily in the hallways. Upon further inspection, I realized that you all actually looked up to me. I had no idea why. I thought I was always kind of abrasive and tried to be a leader all the time, but I guess you needed that. Because at the end of the day, when the leader hat came off, the empathetic mush hat was put on. I was able to be a role model figure and your friend. I have never had any parents come up to me and thank me for being me until the year I met all of you. They would tell me how much and how highly you spoke of me and how much you all loved me, and still do. (Side note: I'm tearing up as I'mwriting this becAUSE MY HEART IS JUST TOO FULL OF LOVE) You made me realize what kind of impression I am capable of leaving and that is a lesson everyone should be lucky enough to learn.

So to all of the friends that are still making their way through high school, just know that I'm rooting for you. I see how incredible you all are and there is no doubt in my mind that I am in good company when I visit. Keep being awesome. I promise you'll see me soon!