For me, the last day of classes are in less than two weeks and the nostalgia is hitting me in waves. Now, my fellow classmates and I are looking back on the highlights, downplaying the low-lights, and coming to terms with how our high school careers have played out for us – and they've ended up playing out very well! I'm proud to be graduating as the high school senior I am today.

With nostalgia often comes regret. Sure, my high school career was great, but what if I had done this, this, and this, too? What if I could have made my high school life better overall, if not just more exciting, in general?

Without further ado, here are five things I wish I had done during my high school career.

1. Taken more classes

Crazy, right? Like I'm graduating to get away from all that high school class craziness, so why would I want to have more?

Well, for the first half of my high school career, I was often forced to take classes that were required not just for graduation, but for my school, since I attend a STEM-focused school. As a result, I couldn't really delve as much into subjects that truly interested me, such as psychology and journalism. (But I was about to take speech and debate, so all was well!)

Plus, extra AP classes do wonders for that high school GPA, which is extremely helpful when it comes to college, so take notes, underclassmen.

2. Made more friends

Compared to other bigger high schools, my graduating class size is minuscule – there's only 47 of us! So obviously, we all know each other relatively well, but we aren't close, you know?

Sometimes I wish that wasn't the case. While it's true that I'll be headed off to another state for college next year and probably won't see most of my classmates for a very long time, let alone ever again, it still makes me wistful. I'd love to keep in touch with them, and have little meet-ups when I come back to Orlando to visit.

It's not a big deal, though. No matter what, we'll always be a little family. #Classof2017

3. Studied harder for the SAT/ACT

Underclassmen, pay close attention.

This is a regret many high school graduates often end up facing later on in their lives.

While I got a relatively decent score and managed to make it into a university that is ranked in the nation's top twenty list, it wasn't easy. I have a feeling that if I had done better, getting into one of those schools would have been a piece of cake, as my essays and extracurriculars were unmatched. If only, if only...

But all's well that ends well. I'm going to be attending an amazing school this fall on a beautiful campus that has practically everything I'd be ever interested in studying, so I'm happy either way.

4. Not prepping for college earlier

Where do I begin?

Until late junior year, I had no idea where I was going to go to school. I'd always assumed that I'd attend the local liberal arts college near my home, as I could easily swing a full-ride there.

However, I had no idea how much opportunity was waiting out there for a student like me, and when it came time for college applications, they hit me like a truck.

Pro-tip: Follow this timeline for maximum success:

9th-10th grade: Apply to scholarships. YOU WILL NEED THE MONEY. Take challenging courses, and keep up good grades. If time allows, try to prep for SATs and ACTs. It'll help, especially if you want to get into a competitive school.

11th grade: Up the scholarship game. I REPEAT: YOU WILL NEED THE MONEY. Draft a list of colleges you want to apply to, and try to stick to it. This will make applications much easier next year. Also, definitely take those SATs and ACTs, and do your best! The best course of action would be to get those done with earlier so you can work on the worst aspect of college apps: essays.

Summer before 12th grade: SCHOLARSHIPS. Also, it'd be a very good idea to draft those college essays right about now. This way, you won't be swamped senior year.

12th grade: Turn in those apps. Do your FAFSA. Take the SAT/ACT again if you really think it will help. Cross your fingers. Breathe. You're almost through! Receive your decisions. Cry, and celebrate. And most importantly of all: graduate and be free! (Also, did I mention last-minute scholarships?)

Which brings me to my last point:

5. Being my best

Sure, I did well. I was a straight-A student with a perfect 4.0 GPA, tons of extracurriculars, and lots of awards and recognition. But I was still lazy. I didn't use every opportunity given to me, and I didn't try nearly so hard till it was almost too late.

So, to my dear underclassmen who are reading this: do everything you can to be better. You all have the potential sitting inside of you like a sapling; you just have to give a bit more nourishment before it'll fully show.

Trust me, it'll be worth it. Not only will you surprise everyone else, you'll surprise yourself. And that feeling is the best feeling of all.

High school is tough, but don't be afraid to enjoy it. After all, these are our wonder years, aren't they?