Senior year is finally here and all we can think about is... are my grades good enough? Am I considered a well rounded student? Were my ACT and SAT scores high enough? Not to mention the ongoing question of, "Where do you plan to attend college?" and, "What are you planning to major in?" If only I had a dollar for every time I got asked those questions! A year full of decisions weighing you down can really bring your spirits down in a time when you should be overjoyed. The best advice I could give would be to pray about it as much as you think about it.

1. Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

Don't worry about what others are doing, worry about yourself and if the Lord would be happy with your work. Remember that everything you do reflects you as a person. Aim higher this year and don't shy away from anything. You will only regret chances you don't take. Work hard, dream big, you can do this!!

2. 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

I know it's hard not to listen to what others have to say, but those who have gone before you had this dilemma also. There are always people on top that don't want you to join them, they want you to stay at the bottom and never grow. Find courage within you to reach out to those people in your life that bring you down. Tell them to make room because you are making your way up! Treat them with the respect and love that you would want them to treat you with.

3. Psalm 105:4 “Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.”

It's going to get harder, a lot harder. Work will overload you, scores, GPA, class rank and all sorts of things high school throws at you will weigh on your mind. The stress of getting scholarships and applying to college will drive you to a breaking point. When that negativity comes your way just look to God and know that his plan will always shine through. Keep your head high and trust in him.

4. Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

No matter how big and scary your dreams may seem now in your high school mindset, you are capable of more than you think. Decide on what you are comfortable with now, and then go above and beyond that. Now is your chance to explore more into yourself and your interests. If you give it all to God you won't carry the load alone. He will do his part as long as you do yours. Just remember that He is always with you!

Happy senior year c/o 2017!!