Dear Seniors,
It is the year you graduate. Yeah, I know -- how did that happen? Time flies real fast. Weeks and days in high school may seem like they drag, but look -- it is already time for you to graduate. Some of you are counting down the days with excitement, others sadness, and for many it is bittersweet. Some are like, “Get me out of this hell hole.” Others say, “I may miss a few things about this place.”
Let me tell you: you only have a few short months left, so enjoy it. Make the best out of it. Why? Because after this, that is it. No more seeing your friends every day, for some, no more sports teams, or groups, no more just getting by. All your friends will go to different schools, and they do not baby you in college. So, yes, getting up before the sun, being in school for six hours a day with tons of rules may suck, but there are some good things about it.
Now, at this point you are getting college acceptance letters and are realizing, I can actually do something with my life. At the same time, your little motivation, is practically gone. You may love some of your teachers, waiting to Facebook request them the day of graduation. You are done with the homework, the tests, the quizzes and the essays. Don’t give up, though; there are only a few more weeks.
Picking a school is hard, but you will find one. Visit them, tour them, spend a night there, look into their programs and scholarships, their sports teams, clubs and everything. If you have the opportunity to live there, do it. Leave home, learn responsibility and be independent. Go somewhere new with different people and cultures so you can see other perspectives. Not saying California, but outside of your home town. The great thing is: if you don’t like it, you don’t have to stay there forever. There are so many schools out there. And money -- hell, yes, it is a lot of money, but I'm telling you it will work out. Between scholarships, financial aid and loans, you will be okay. Don’t stress too much.
Friends, well -- your friend group could be getting closer and closer, or falling apart. Drama never seems to end at times. Hopefully, by this point, you know who your close friends are, and those who you will talk and hang out with after graduation. Looking back, maybe you went through friends, or had one or two who stuck with you the whole time, but whoever your friends are, be thankful and appreciate them.
And if crap is hitting the fan, fix it now while you still can. It is probably over something stupid, anyway, and will mean nothing in a year or two. Appreciate seeing them every day and them living no more them 15 minutes away from you. When you go to school you may go months without seeing them, but those you stay in contact with will be your long term friends. Plus, we have phones, call, text, facetime whatever, you will stay friends with people from home. And seeing them on break, is the greatest.
You took all your exams and handing in the last one never felt so great, but those last few days walking the halls for the last time as a student is strange. You have been here for four years and in school systems like this for 12 with generally the same people, and now it’s about to end. You clean out your locker, the pictures or quotes and stupid little memories, and that’s it. You made it.
Graduation -- you have your cap and maybe you decorate. You put a quote, or picture or something about your future, whatever you want. And now you walk the stage. You are waiting in that line ready for them to call your name. What a surreal day it will be for you. They say your name and you sit down. Hallelujah -- you did it, you survived. Now you can cry, bawl your eyes out, jump for joy or whatever, but you made it. The next day, you can sleep in, what? Haven’t done that in ages. It is weird, no more grade school.
Now, comes summer; you have a job or just plan to hang at the beach, but make it fun. You hop from one grad party to the next. You are shopping for all the stuff you need for school, which can be fun and exciting. As the summer comes to an end you spend as much time with your family and friends as you can before you have to say bye. But once you get there, it is just the beginning!
Do have a meltdown because everyone is in the same boat as you. Alone, nervous, excited, and little scared and lost -- but don’t worry; that won’t last for long. You may be fine, you may cry all night your first night, either way, you are going to be okay. You will learn the layout of the campus quick, and make friends. Open your door because people will come in and be your friend. Leave your room and go find friends, don’t be scared. Classes, you will meet people there too. If you get involved, you will make friends with similar interests, and have something to do when you are not in class (90 percent of your week is free time and sleeping). Don’t just hide in your room. Roommates --well, it all depends. You could pick a friend, meet someone or random, just pray to the lord they are a decent human who showers regularly. And if roommates are that bad, move, no big deal. Don’t stress.
School work, yeah -- it seems like a lot, but don’t wait till last minute. Stay organized. You have a syllabus for every class, so there should be no surprises, plan ahead. Plus, you spend very little time in class, so you have time to do your work. When you learn to manage your time, college will be a lot easier. Also, no one will be in your face asking for assignments and work every day, it is all you. Don’t freak out, though, because your professors want you to succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for help, and use your resources because that is what they are there for. It is your responsibility to step up. And remember, you and your parents aren’t paying thousands of dollars for you to just get by.
Your choice on partying, but I suggest you keep it under control because drugs and alcohol are expensive and you are paying for and education, not a party. Have fun, but not too much fun.
College is awesome because you have freedom, fun, you are on your own and it can be a blast! You meet new people and see new things. It is great, be open minded, try new things, listen to what others have to say. You can learn from your professors but also your peers. It may be scary at first, and you are pushed out of your comfort zone, but that it how your grow and venture out. You will change, you will make mistakes, you will make great decisions, you will meet some of your best friends. You will learn about school stuff, others and about yourself. Don’t be scared, enjoy your life.
