This summer going into your final year of high school, you're probably planning your outfits for the first few weeks and all of your senior dress-up days, and additionally dreading that common app essay you have to write.
This feeling of excitement mixed with stress is perfectly normal, and something you should get used to feeling (at least during the first semester.) This year will be a roller coaster taking you on an amazing ride through a whole new dimension of high school. I know everyone says it, but senior year truly FLIES by. You'll be throwing your graduation caps in the air before you know it. In the meantime here are some tips to make sure you socially and academically, ace your senior year.
1. Go to every school event that you can
Camryn Ryan
If football games and dances weren't your thing in past years, do yourself a favor and go to at least one before the end of this year. These moments when your entire class comes together and celebrates as one, are part of what makes high school so great. That time when the football team had their first win and everyone stormed the field will be something you remember. Dance as hard as you can at your last prom and soak it all in because 20 years from now, a flashback to your prom night will probably make you smile.
2. Tell the person you like how you feel.
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It's daunting. It's awkward. It's totally worth it. High school wouldn't be high school without the ironic crush or romantic love story. Either way, it's your last year, last shot. Something you never imagined could happen, might happen. Worst comes to worst, you don't have to see the person again after a few months. But, if you keep it to yourself, you'll regret it.
3. Don't fall into the SLUMP
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I'm sure you'll be working your butt off first semester, but once those acceptance letters start to come in, the case of senioritis seems to plague the entire class. The senior slump is VERY real, but most will survive it. Just remember, your college will see your final transcript! Don't risk the next four years of fun that you'll have, just to skip class and stop studying.
4. Find your balance
Work hard, but have fun. Especially second semester, you don't have to kill yourself studying until 2 am. But you still have to find a way to make sure you pass your final. Study, to an extent. Have fun, to an extent. Part of growing up and going to college will be being able to mange yourself and your time. Practice that this year.
5. Reinforce every relationship and don't be afraid to branch out and make new ones
Camryn Ryan
This goes for literally everyone in your life at the moment. Take the time to show those around you that you appreciate them. Tell your favorite teacher how much you love their class. Tell your mom thank you for all she's done for you up to this point. Let your friends know that you'll be there for them now and that you're just a phone call away after you graduate. Your peers in your class will share a bond with you for the rest of your life. They will be able to understand and relate to things that no one else will. Get to know people in your class that you haven't before and cherish every relationship that you make.
6. Remember and savor your daily routine
Camryn Ryan
Getting doughnut inn with your friends every morning, having the same lunch period as your best friend, driving to and from sports games in your team bus, all these things will seem so natural and small in the moment, but you will find yourself willing to do anything to go back to them come graduation.
7. I'll say it just one last time...
Camryn Ryan
It flies. by.
