To all the seniors as they go through their senior year of high school... I have a few things to tell you.
This year is all about you. So do what benefits you the most even if that means you aren't doing what is "popular".
On that note... Stop worrying about fitting in this year. Just enjoy your time and do what sounds fun to you and embrace that, even if you have to go by yourself.
Learn to do things on your own because once this year is over you will do a lot of that.
Join that club that you have always wanted to. Senior year is busy and joining a club that does stuff you are really interested in could take some of that stress away, and you'll also meet some really great friends.
Do EVERY scholarship that you have the opportunity to do. Even if that means you have to write a "boring" essay. You will regret it if you wait to fill any out until the end of the year.
Also write a really good essay now on something that is really important to you, and then just edit it a little to make it fit the essay for the scholarship. A lot of schools and scholarships ask for something that means a lot of something influential that happened in your life.
Take this year seriously, because it could mean the difference in getting into the school of your dreams and having to settle for a school that you aren't all that excited for.
Do not be afraid to apply for the school of your dreams, even if you think that you won't get in. You never know what they will say, and you will always wonder if you never try. The worst they can say is no.
Learn to accept rejection this year because odds are you will be told no a few more times this year then you ever have been in your life. Rejection is just part of growing up.
Retake the ACT or SAT every chance that you get. It may be boring, but it is worth it. The higher your score the more money you may receive in scholarships, or you may have a better chance to get into the college of your dreams.
Go on every senior trip that you have the chance to go on, even if you think that they will be boring. I guarantee you will have fun.
Go to prom and homecoming if that is what you are into and if it's not then don't go and do not let anyone make you feel bad about doing that.
Cherish every moment with those friends you have had throughout highschool. Have those girls/guys nights as often as you can. Get together and do things that you'll remember, or maybe not, and can laugh about later on down the road. Don't just sit at home and do nothing. Get out there and see people because if you don't you'll wish you did because you loose that close connection after graduation. People grow up and get busy with summer jobs and college.
Have your kind of fun, and not the fun that you are forced to enjoy by your friends when they all want to go out to the "party of the year", when you would rather be watching your last high school theatre production.
But most importantly remember to take the fact that this year is going to go by so much faster than you thought it would. Try and love every minute of it, and take advantage of every opportunity you get. This year is so important, so please take it seriously, but don't forget to relax and have fun at times. This year is for you so make your own decisions not someone else's. Chase YOUR own dreams!
Congrats on make it this far!
