Dear Future Graduate,

I feel like a proud mom as you are nearing these last few months of high school.

It is so unreal that you are going to be walking across that stage where I was just a year before. Whatever you do, please do your best to take it all in. Take in the music and the cheers and the crazy signs your family may hold up. Put on your biggest smile when they hand you that diploma, you have earned it. Pay attention to who you're sitting near and the view you saw from atop the stage. You earned that, too. It will all be gone quicker than the flash from the cameras that take your picture.

When summer comes, don't worry about always being busy. It is your last one before all of your adult responsibilities kick in. Just relax and go with the flow, you'll thank me later.

But for now, do your best not to sweat the small stuff. Sometimes everyone seems to have it all together but I promise you, they don't. You have so much that lies ahead of you, more than you could ever imagine. I can guarantee you will miss parts of high school; most of us do. Whatever you do, do not let it hold you back. Go into the future full force and know you are equipped to handle anything and everything life throws at you.

I can't wait to see all that you accomplish within these next four years and beyond. I am proud to know you and even more proud to call you one of my most cherished friends.

So, go on. Explore and learn and create and just be. You've got this.

Love,

Your Biggest Fan