Dear Class of 2019,

Oh my God. I can still remember that feeling of going into my senior year. I was excited for what the future might hold and couldn't wait to get out of high school, which is probably how most of you are feeling. I know a lot of you have places that you can totally see yourselves at and are counting down the days until graduation. But listen for a minute.

This is the last year all of you are going to be together. The very last one. After that, all of you will spread out. That may be terrifying because you're so used to seeing your best friends every day and you can't imagine life without them. The good news is, since we have Snapchat, FaceTime, and Instagram DMs it is totally possible to stay connected to the ones you love and keep them in the loop about your life.

This might also be a relief because there may be people at your high school whom you do not like and would rather never see again. Great news! After graduation, you don't have to! Ever since I graduated, I have seen people that were in my grade briefly but my closest friends from my grade? We barely talk (though I wish them all well). Those kids I just didn't talk to and had classes with? Well, I follow them on Instagram but it's rare that I see any of them in person. My point is after you graduate the only people staying in your life are the ones you want there.

Even though this may be the case, be nice to everyone. You're all going to be out of there soon, so there's no need to start unnecessary drama. (That being said, if someone is being picked on, absolutely defend them. Helping out another human being is never unnecessary.) It's sort of a chiller vibe where everyone feels freer to talk to each other, no matter who they're friends with because they could sense that whole thing ceasing to matter. Also if you stay on good terms with someone they're more likely to be on your side in the future, should you ever need anything.

If you have a leadership position, rock that leadership position. You earned it.

Watch how you behave because the underclassmen will be looking to you for a good example, and do your best to set it. The best advice I could give regarding this is to be the person you always wish you had as a freshman or sophomore. If someone's a little shy or scared to talk to people, make that person feel comfortable and let them do stuff with your friends.

Don't be afraid of getting to know new people. Incoming freshmen, new kids, and people you've just never encountered before this year are fully capable of becoming your friends for life if you just give them a chance.

Enjoy your year! Trust me, for better or for worse, it'll be over before you know it.