To a high school senior,

Take it all in. I promise you, this really is the best year of high school. It also goes the fastest so keep that in mind. On your first day, look around and enjoy the little things. Remember, this is your last first day of high school ever. It’s ok to be a little sad. Look around in the hallways and see all the familiar faces because next year, that won’t be a thing.

Don’t wish it away. I know there will be times when you cannot wait to get out of there and leave your town behind, but just try to enjoy it. I promise you, there will be times when you wish you could go back. You will long for those familiar faces in the hallway and yearn for a do-over in some things.

It goes too fast, so don’t spend the majority of the time trying to be “so over high school” and thinking that you just can’t wait to be out.

Go to everything. I don’t care if it’s a football game where you know your team is going to get blown out or a school dance that you think is too lame. You will miss those Friday night lights and those dances where everyone packed into the school gym and they played awful music.

Go get ice cream with your friends late at night or do a movie night with your significant other on school night.

Go get all dressed up for prom and dance the night away.

Don’t miss opportunities. If you love them, tell them. I hate to say it, but time is running out.

Hang out with your family. Spend time with them this year because even though you say you won’t miss them, I guarantee you will. I’ll even bet you talk to them more when you’re away then you did at home. Stay in and watch a movie with your mom, she might not tell you, but it means so much to her.

Lastly, tell them you love them just a little extra.

It’s OK to have a good cry every once and awhile. It’s tough leaving the town you call home to go be on your own. It all works out. Keep in touch with your high school friends. You’ll make lifelong friends in college, but don’t forget about the ones who you grew up with.

This truly is a great year. Don’t stress too much about college. You’ll find the right school and it’ll all work itself out. Take pictures of everything but also don’t forget to live in the moment. Look around sometimes and try to capture the moment because you’ll want to remember all of this when you’re gone.

Best of luck