Dear class of 2019,

When I look at you guys, I feel old. I was in your shoes only three years ago, when you were only freshmen, yet it still feels like an eternity has flown by since then. You were the last class that I attended school with and passed in the halls. I can't believe we've reached this point already.

I don't actually have a lot to say to you. I could tell you all the things that have already been said, like "Don't forget to make every memory count" or "Remember to let your teachers know how much you appreciate them," but I think it'd be best if I told you some of the more nontraditional things.

Instead of telling you to enjoy every second of your last year of high school, I'll tell you to appreciate all of the unfortunate things that happen this year, too. On Halloween of my senior year, storms rolled in and knocked the lights out. We weren't allowed to leave our current classes (for whatever reason), and I just remember being super annoyed about it, when really, I should've enjoyed that moment more than I did.

I'll remind you to get a head start on your college and scholarship applications because stressing right before graduation is not fun. I procrastinated enough to the point where I didn't officially make up my mind about college until April, and boy was that exhausting. Fill out all the scholarships you come across, whether you think you'll get it or not. You never know when they might fall in your favor, and the more applications turned in, the better.

I will definitely tell you to make stronger bonds with your classmates. You never know who may end up at the same university or place as you and who you may not see until your 25th class reunion. It's always good to have people in your corner, whether it be down the road in the future or just until you're voted "most likely to be successful" for your class superlatives. If you're leaving these people, leave a good impression.

Lastly, I would make a point to let your parents know you love them. In a little less than a year, you'll be headed off to a new city to begin a new adventure in life. This is a new chapter for them, too. Let them do the quirky things that parents do, like post pictures of you over the year, visit you at your job and spend time with you in general. They're going to miss you.

Overall, I can't wait to see how you all do. I believe you'll all do great things, even if I still see some of you as actual children. Good luck, seniors, and congratulations on making it this far.