High school is hard. Not only are we going through the transition from young child to teenager, but we're also supposed to have good grades, join clubs, and make memories with friends. I graduated high school two years ago. This year, however, my brother got to join me with his own diploma, along with a lot of friends and loved ones we also knew. I've been running around all week from one graduation party to the next, and thought it would be suitable to take a moment and acknowledge the Class of 2016 as a whole. You did it, all of you!

When you first step into high school you have a billion plans for your future. You want to be an engineer, or an actor, or maybe you still hold on to your dream of becoming an astronaut and being the first person to stand on Mars. Sometimes your plans change as you go through your four years of high school. Maybe you thought you liked math but then you took pre-calculus and discovered how much you despise the topic. Maybe you never liked writing essays in English class, but then you read a book that makes you want to spill your heart on the pages. There are so many scenarios, so many different things happening to all of us in high school, that I rarely hear about people still planning to do what they thought they wanted to do when they were a freshman.

Not only do your own personal plans change, but a lot of the time your friends can change too. Some people you've known your whole life stop talking to you because you don't work with the image they want to have in high school. Others will stick by your side no matter what high school throws at you. You'll make new friends too. People you never thought you'd talk to in middle school may end up being your best friend when you get into high school. Take a look at the friends around you and don't forget to tell them how much you care about them. You all have gone through a lot together in high school, don't forget to be there for each other afterwards, wherever you all are ending up.

Some people go to college, some take a gap year, some join the military, some jump right into the work force. Whatever it is you're doing, be happy you're doing it. Find the best in your situation. You're finally an adult who has the opportunity to start making a name and a life of your own. Whether you're leaving home or staying, you're no longer the same kid that had started high school four years ago. You've grown so much and gotten through a lot. Get ready to buckle down and stay strong for whatever life holds for you next. You know you can get through it. You made it through high school, for Pete's sake.

Congratulations to all of you, Class of 2016. I'm so proud of my brother and everyone else I know who made it. I'm even proud of you if I don't know you. Have fun with whatever you're doing next. And don't forget to stay awesome!