Dear Senior,
Congratulations! You’ve made it this far. Twelve long years later and you’re finally at the top of the totem pole. I know how exciting it is, and how ready you are to enter the world of college. But before you go wishing your last few months away, there are some things you need to know. Things I wish someone would’ve told me.
Enjoy the last few months.
Since your first semester of senior year is done, “senioritis” is now probably in full swing. You're beyond done with homework and ready for summer. But while you’re daydreaming of white, sandy beaches and senior week festivities, your life is passing you by. If you’re not careful, you’ll miss out on the wonderful memories senior year has to offer. So please, please take it slow and take in every glorious, boring, and strenuous moment.
Don’t slack off.
As previously mentioned, “senioritis” is now in full swing. At this point, you don’t think it is all that important to do homework or even show up for class. Newsflash: it is! Homework and long hours of class don’t stop after high school. You’re teaching yourself that it is okay to do the bare minimum to get by. In college, it’s a whole different ball game. Professors don’t assign busy work, nor do they care if your homework is completed or not. Save yourself the heartache and power through that dreaded calculus and physics class. You’ll thank yourself later.
Go to all the games.
High school athletic events are not for everyone, I get it. But it’s not all about the game. Traveling to games with friends is part of the fun. Cheer for your favorite player, yell chants with your fellow classmates and boo the other team. Whatever it is you do, have fun doing it. Make memories with your friends. You don’t know it now, but you’ll miss the Friday night lights and the hometown crowd backing your team. Enjoy it while it lasts, because once you’ve graduated you can’t go back.
Don’t take your free education for granted.
Everyone’s always heard about how broke college students are, but it really is true. Tuition alone is thousands of dollars per semester. Not everyone gets scholarships. On top of that, the free books in high school don’t transfer over to college. So be thankful for your nagging teachers and your old, hand-me-down books because they’re free. Nothing about college is free.
Don’t take relationships too seriously.
Yes, yes I know. You’re in love and nothing is ever going to change the way you and your significant other feel about each other. In all reality, it is very unlikely the person you are with now will be your happily ever after. Yes, it’s okay to have a boyfriend or girlfriend, but don’t put that much thought into forever. College is full of new, interesting people. If you spend all your time in high school chasing after that one person, you will very likely miss out on some great memories.
Enjoy your parents and your time at home.
We all go through those years where it seems like our parents are so unfair and never let us do anything. We think we can handle life on our own; we think we have everything all figured out. This is possibly the biggest façade known to teenagers. Your parents definitely have your best interest in mind when they don’t let you go to that party or ground you for making a D. Enjoy your time with them; enjoy the home cooking and family time. All too soon, everything will change and you won’t see them every day. Do them — and yourself — a favor and don’t be too hard on them. Thank them for everything and appreciate everything they do for you. Soon you’ll be doing it all yourself.
Don’t forget God.
As you prepare for the upcoming months, life tends to get busy and distracting. Often, God is put on the backburner until you can’t handle life on your own. Save yourself the trouble now and put Him first. Include Him in your plans and they’ll go much smoother. Tell Him about your day and see how it gets easier. Go to church and enjoy your youth group while you can. Take advantage of every Sunday and Wednesday night and every trip together. Soon you’ll all be going your separate ways and there’s nothing more important than having God lead your life and walk with you through this big transition. Pray every day and see how much smoother the end of your high school journey will be.
I hope this will inspire you to take full advantage of the little things in life and enjoy your last few months of high school. Thank your teachers and love your parents. Everything’s getting ready to change, and some of the best days of your life are ahead of you. Keep this in mind when times get tough. Don’t forget, God’s always by your side.
Sincerely,
The College Kid Who Took High School For Granted
