Dear High School Seniors,
You are almost there. You can picture walking across the stage, diploma in hand. You have only a few more months to finish up your classes -- don’t worry your AP classes are almost over, you have a few more months to be a Coaler, Panther, Comet, Wildcat, etc. The next couple of months are going to fly by. If you think the past three and one-half years have gone by fast, the next few months are going to go so much faster.
Whether you have hated or loved high school, it is ending soon. Most of the college preparation should be close to over from picking what college to go to, who your roommate should be, applying for scholarships, and so on. Deciding the rest of your life should be figured out, for the most part, and you’re ready to move on, but…
Slow down.
You’re still a senior in high school. You still have a few months left. Take it all in. This is the last of the last. For some this is the last time you’ll ever play on a sports team, have a solo in the concert, a lead in the musical, or a familiar face in class. Do not take that for granted. You still have so much time left. Take it all in. A lot is going to happen between now and August, or for that matter, May, when you graduate. This is it, make it the best couple months you will ever have, because when it’s gone, you can’t get it back.
Stop being scared to do the things you want to do.
Impact peoples lives. Whether it is your best friend or foe.
Don’t tell your parents I am saying this, but spend more time on the people in your lives than the grade you get on your twenty-point math assignment.
Sing and dance. Make a fool of yourself but have fun doing it.
Thank the adults who have helped you on this past twelve-year journey. We are a lot of work, thank them for putting up with you.
Don’t forget to thank all of your friends in your life. Whether it is the person who sits next to you in English or your best friend or your teammate, thank them for the help and support.
Hang out with your parents. They are not ready to see you leave and you’re soon not going to be able to see them everyday. You will miss those moments. Cherish them. Tell them that you love them, too.
Spend time with your siblings. I promise it is not as bad as you may think.
Ladies, stop wearing make up everyday. It’s not worth it. People know who you are. If it makes you feel better, go for it! Wear all the makeup you want! But, I promise you people have learned to like you for how you are on the inside.
Hug. Hug everybody.
Ask questions. You will never know unless you ask.
Cherish the small moments with your friends. When you get to see them in November for Thanksgiving break, you’re going to be laughing and reminiscing about the little things and the big things.
But most importantly, take everything in. It is going to go by fast. Before you know it, you’ll be in a cap and gown. Enjoy this. Have fun.
