So you graduated- now what?

I'm sure that senior year felt like a blur- a blur filled with "lasts". Last football games, last high school dances, last fees to pay, last essays, last final exams, last cheesy high school t-shirts, last time sitting as a student body with your graduating senior class. I know right now all these "lasts" probably don't really feel like they were "lasts", and even if they do, you truly didn't stress over it because you were so ready to move on and be in the big world where you are considered an adult, and life is just waiting for you to dive in to all the endless possibilities. You've made it to they day you have been dreaming of since high school started- graduation. You deserve all the excitement and love you are receiving, and I couldn't be more proud of you.

But, here's the thing: I'm here to tell you, BEG you actually, to slow down. Please. Just Slow. Down.

Here's why:

1. You are never going to be as young as you are right this very second, and neither are your parents.

You are probably over the moon excited to have all the perks that all the "adults" have. You totally deserve to have some fun, but your parents are in total shock right now. Sure, they had eighteen whole years to prepare for this time in your life, but no amount of time could prepare a parent to go from one day having their baby boy/girl and the next having a young adult living in the full time college/working world. They're in total shock, and probably will be for a little while. They may even be a little emotional/irrational- be patient with them, really. Take the time to really talk to them about your dreams and goals, just life in general. They want nothing more than to love and support you, and want to be by your side every step of the way, even if they don't know how exactly to say that to you without crying or trying to seem like they are taking your new-found freedom away.

2. Your friends all have different plans than yours.

I know you can't wait to go on your senior trip, I know you can't wait to finish your summer job and finally meet new people at your University. You're going to have friends going every which way, and sometimes life just happens. Even if they are going to the same University as you, schedules change and things get busy. Enjoy every moment you have with them while you're all together. That nap after work can wait- go get some ice cream or run around the park and recreate childhood memories while you can. Introduce yourself to someone in your graduating class that you have always wanted to talk to, but never really got the chance to or had the courage to do so. Make more memories and new experiences so you have something to really hold on to and laugh about when college classes get tough.

3. College is fun, but you will get there eventually.

The exams can wait. The all nighters of nothing but coffee can wait. The stressed out nights where you stuff your face with as many cheese balls as possible- yeah, it can definitely wait. You are going to have so many amazing experiences in college, and each one will help you grow in one way or another, but you will get there. Meanwhile, go to every summer camp you can. Enjoy your orientation, don't just go through the motions. Meet every new person you possibly can, and take a ton of pictures. Squeeze every last drop out of your summer experience, because once its gone, it's gone. You only get one chance to be the new fish in the pond, one chance to make the most out of this new journey. Let the new be exciting, let the new inspire you to be everything you have ever wanted for yourself. This is your time- shine how you've always wanted to.

I promise, you will love and learn a whole lot of new things from your newly-granted "adulthood". Ultimately, this will be some of the most challenging/amazing times of your life.
I can't wait to see all that you do with your future, and all the new memories you will make- but right now, enjoy your present. I have no doubt that you will make your life absolutely amazing- just, for now, focus on making this very moment absolutely amazing, instead.