High school was truly the best and the worst four years of my life. I attended two different high schools, took a stab at the IB program (definitely not for me in the slightest), went through countless friends, boyfriends, exams, dance competitions, and so much more. It was exhausting, but if I could do it again, I'd relive high school the exact same way.
With May coming to a close, thousands of seniors across the country will be walking with their classmates and receive the only piece of paper high school was worth suffering for: their diploma. It's an overwhelmingly proud feeling. But, before they take their walks of honor across arena stages, here is a letter I wish someone wrote for me before I graduated, and I hope this makes every senior reading this nostalgic for their high school days, but hopeful for their college days.
Dear graduating senior,
You did it. Despite the sleepless nights you spent studying for AP exams, the extra spoonfuls of sugar you put in your coffee every morning, the days where you had homework for every single class piled on top of extracurricular activities, you are finally graduating high school. With the pressures of getting into a great college and taking AP courses for college credit, high school has become tougher than people think. But, you've shown everyone with your smarts, those classes didn't stand a chance. Everyone you know is immensely proud of you.
Take some time to reflect on the best days and nights of your high school career. Your first and last football games. Your first and last homecoming dances. Your prom night. The day you received your first college acceptance. The day you received your dream college acceptance. The day you received your cap and gown. The nights you spent with your friends that you'll remember for the rest of your life. Your last team/club banquets. Your final night on a field, in a weight room, or on a stage. These moments are stories you'll tell your future significant other, your children, and everyone who asks you, "What did you love most about high school?" You'll tear up from time to time, still heartbroken that it had to end, but eternally grateful that it happened.
On the other hand, take time to reflect on your worst moments of high school. Your first breakup. Your first fight with a friend. The last fight with an ex-friend. Your first failing grade in a class. The times you fought with your parents because you swore on your life you were already grown so they could no longer control what you did. The nights you got into so much trouble with friends, you would've rather died than to go home and see if your parents knew about it. They were frustrating and awful, but hey, you survived. Let them be lessons, so you won't make the same mistake twice.
College is scary. You'll be living on your own for the first time, most likely with someone you've never met before. You may have some trouble getting acquainted with new friends. Your lecture classes filled with hundreds of students will be intimidating. Your dining hall food may not be your favorite. You may change your major more times than planned on. For the time being, you may not even have a major. You may need some time to perfect your daily schedule. I promise you, once you're a few weeks in, it will all become a routine. You'll be organized, focused, and ready to pursue whatever your heart desires.
Be proud of yourself for making it this far. Thank the people who were there for you when you were feeling down, helped you in the classes you struggled with, and believed in you from start to finish. Give a great big hug to your teammates and club members. Thank all your favorite teachers and coaches. Thank your parents and family. You'll miss them all while you're away.
When you look through your yearbook ten, twenty, even fifty years from now, a huge smile will form across your face, and you'll want to go back. Even if it's for a second. Become someone you're proud of. Do great things in this world.
Congratulations to the Class of 2016!
