Dear High School Class of 2017,

You guys are a special one to me because within you I find my little sister who has grown up way too fast. So McKenna, Kyla, Justin, Rachael, Morgan, Alyssa and the rest of you second semester seniors this one is for you.

You probably have no motivation to do anything related to school and all you want to do is spend time with your friends. You've probably ditched one too many days of school to go shopping, and you've probably traveled all over trying to find where you are going to end up next year. While some of you will end up at your local community college, some of you will take a huge leap of faith and join the Armed Forces, some of you will be packing up and heading out of state to start a new adventure. You probably get antsy every time you think about it and are extremely ready to get out of the house and be on your own.Heck, some of you may have been ready for this since you were sophomores, I know I sure was.

But I'm here to tell you to slow down. Remember your freshman year when you would ask older kids on sports teams or in clubs what advice they had and they would give some and advice and say "it flies by in the blink of the eye?" Well I'm sure by now, you all have realized they were right. However, that doesn't mean you have to just let all that time go to waste. Cherish every last thing about it because one day you'll be sitting in your dorm room with a complete stranger looking around realizing that you have a new life. You will have a mental breakdown and your best friend won't be there to give you a hug and cheer you up. You can't run to mom and dad every time you need something, and sometimes you have to miss out on big family events.

So before you start rushing to get out, take everything in. For some of you, it's the last time you will compete competitively in a sport you've grown up playing your whole life. For some of you, it's the last time you will ever know the words and be able to sing your school song proudly. For some of you, it's the last time you'll play your instrument at a football game and travel to Disney with band. For some of you, it's the last time you'll have teachers who want to know about your life and will help you get through life or class when you are struggling.

The time leading up to graduation is exciting as you start getting measured for your cap and gown, you get acceptance letters, pick a school, and start searching for a roommate. I was just as excited as you were, I promise. But don't forget to take the little things for granted. Be grateful you have a wash machine in your house so washing your clothes isn't a hassle. Drive your car in circles around your town as much as you can because who knows when the next time you'll drive it will be. Spend as much time as you can making memories and taking pictures with your best friends, but don't forget about your family (especially if you're the youngest and your parents are soon going to be empty nesters). Sit down and have a meal with your grandparents. Cuddle with your dog or cat every night. Tell that boy you've had a crush on for four years that you think he's cute, what's the worst thing that could happen? Get a job, not to pay for your summer activities, but to save for your fall ones so you can go to that delicious restaurant with your floor. Eat at all your favorite local places on last time (Portillos and any Chicago style pizza place is dearly missed), who knows when you will get to eat it again. Print out pictures of your summer to put in your room. Write your friends going away letters. Never let that group chat die, and most importantly live young.

You're taking a big step in a couple months and although it's going to be fun, adulting actually kind of sucks. Paying bills, paying for laundry, signing leases, getting yourself places on time, having to motivate yourself, cooking for yourself. All of those aren't really rainbows and butterflies.

You've all grown up too fast and if I could pause time so you can stay little babies forever I would, but it's your turn to grow up now. Make the most of the last couple months with the most important people in your life and toss that cap as high as you can at graduation. You guys did it. Congratulations class of 2017, you will all accomplish wonderful things.

~A college sophomore whose sister grew up way too fast