Dear High School Seniors,

Hey! How are those 8 period class days with a dress code going for ya? Sorry, I shouldn't poke fun, I was once in your (closed toe, dress code appropriate) shoes not that long ago! And trust me, I know how crazy of a life you're leading right now.

You've either committed to the school of your dreams and are literally a walking bookstore of apparel, or you're pretty certain you are going to have a heart attack before you can decide on what college is your perfect fit. But more than anything, you're wishing you could just fast forward through these last few months and get on with your life.

Whatever you do, don't wish this time away.

I know all through the holidays, people kept telling you to get ready because college will be the best four years of your life. And spoiler alert, they're right, college is pretty fabulous. But that doesn't mean that this last semester is pointless! (Okay, yeah that giant research paper you'll have to write in late April will be pretty pointless, but besides that...)

These next few months will be a unique time to reflect on your four years of high school. To cherish the lessons, smile at the memories, and to truly live in the moment.

You have about five more months as a high schooler. That's it. Five months. Roughly 150 days to spend with the classmates you've grown up with, learn from the teachers who have become your mentors, and to come home to freshly prepared meals shared with your family. So please, stop stressing. I promise you things will work out how they're supposed to and that you will be okay. Life's a journey and you're in the final chapter of the adventure known as high school. Do yourself a favor and use these 150 days to write yourself a happy ending.

So my dear high schoolers, I'll end this letter with a quote from a truly inspiring person I think we all can relate to:

"'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. ~Wayne Gretzky' ~Michael Scott."

Don't miss this shot to make the most of your last days of high school because you're too busy waiting for the college puck. It'll be sliding your way soon enough, and you'll be more than ready to give it your best slap shot. But right now, slip your feet into those uniformed approved shoes, grab your books for your eight-period class day, and take that last shot of high school. You won't regret it.

See you on campus in a few months!

Sincerely,

Someone who was once in your (uniform approved) shoes