Dear Class of 2016,

Hey! How have you been? I can’t believe it has been almost a year since we danced together at prom, pulled our senior prank (lol), cheered for each other during superlatives, and sat on that crowded stage sporting our royal blue caps.

If we haven’t talked since high school graduation, I hope you’re doing well. I bet these last months have been a time of growth and realizing that life is real. I personally can’t even count the number of “Well, sh*t” moments I’ve had these past two semesters— e.g. shrinking laundry, misreading the bus schedule, or being surprised at the balance in my checking account. I doubt I’m the only one who was shocked at this new taste of freedom. But along with freedom, came the sense of solitude. It took me some time to get used to the fact that every choice I had was mine to make. No one would know if I didn’t go to class or skipped meals.

Regardless of whether you ended up living in a new place or stayed home after graduation, it's inevitable all of our routines changed greatly. We no longer shared the same schedule that every other kid in town had. Beginning this past fall, our days resembled a blank slate which was unfamiliar for sure...but undoubtedly awesome because of the potential.

After being within the walls of high school for several years, everyone knew everyone’s business and we are all accustomed to it. There’s something special about that though. High school is filled with simplicity, innocence, and a lot of “firsts.” When you think of high school, I hope you think of braces and awkward school dances. I hope you think of driving late at night with friends by your side, singing to your favorite song.

I wrote this to remind you that we will always be unified by our community and graduating class. It is inevitable that most of your relationships have changed after graduation whether it be with your mom, your best friend, or your high school sweetheart. But I guess this is the part of life that teaches us the greatest lessons. I’m sure you’ve already learned the expression “it takes all kinds” holds true after meeting lots of different people who weren’t raised the same; I pray you’ve met new people that give you butterflies, challenge you, and make you question the person you are.

I can’t wait to see how much you have already changed and where life will lead you. In the meantime, I’ll be liking your Instagram pictures.