As I sat down to write my first article, I was planning on discussing the events that took place in Orlando this past weekend. I wanted to give a fresh perspective on our country's gun laws and the far too easy access we have to weapons, but after reading many articles from both personal and professional standpoints, I realized now is not the time to discuss the "what ifs" of gun control. I am aware that I am only 18 and am certainly not the most educated on this topic, so instead I am going to talk about what I have recently experienced firsthand -- cutting people out.

For as long as I can remember, older friends and family members have told me that the friends I have in high school are not going to be the friends I remember 10 years from now, and for as long as I can remember I have disagreed. My best friend and I have had a strong friendship for 15 years, through multiple family moves to different states, despite the one year age gap. Given the strain that living four and a half hours away can put on a friendship, I always figured since we have been able to stay best friends I will have no trouble staying friends with the girls and guys who got me through the most insane four years of my life to date. Oh boy was I wrong.

I graduated less than a month ago, and already I am noticing everyone around me growing apart. If you have yet to graduate, or even are just about to begin your senior year of high school, you are probably thinking that you and your friends will get through it, that your relationships are too strong to end. If there is one thing I have realized in the 24 days since graduation, it is that I am actually relieved that I now have only a handful of friends from my school I am still close with.

This summer will be the most challenging time seniors have faced, and with it comes the realization that quality trumps quantity. This is a saying that has been around since the beginning of time and it is weird to think that you just might be alright without your best friend/boyfriend/girlfriend, but imagine all of the new people you will be meeting in two short months. It is crazy that monumental events have already passed that I did not spend celebrating with my "best friends."

Those are people I will always hold close to my heart and have shared some of the happiest (and saddest) memories with, but growing up is all about change. It is the end of an era and it hurts like heck, but there is no point in trying to force a bond to say. Changing who you now choose to spend your time with is what will impact your future, so choose wisely and make some new memories with the people who you know will be around in 10 years, and even those who you know will not!! This summer is all about growing, so let's make the most of it!