Wow. You made it. It’s crazy to think that just a short time ago you were just a freshman starting high school. Timid as you walked through the door, searching for your locker, hoping upperclassman wouldn't stare, or you wouldn't forget something important that you needed, like your lunch money. Then you become a sophomore and then a junior and you asked yourself, “Where has the time gone?” Now as you get ready for the school year to start, you look back and think how fast it has gone. But now there’s nothing you can do. So, as you get ready to walk through those doors for your senior year of high school don’t take it for granted. Enjoy every minute of walking into your school every day, enjoy wearing your school colors, and enjoy cheering in the student section, because those are the days you will never get back. Those are the days that seem like they will never end, but they do. So, high school senior, listen up.

I remember pulling into high school for my first day of senior year. It was about to be the first of many lasts. It was my last first day of high school. I was ready. That first day back I remember sitting in the PAC (Performing Acts Center) and our principal sat there and told us to enjoy it. It’s going to go by fast, enjoy the time here in these hallways because soon they are going to be home for somebody else. I remember just talking to my friends and shrugging off everything he said, thinking to myself, “It’s going to go by so slow, and I cannot wait to get out of here.” I can’t wait to move away and start college because those are the best years of your life. They are, but high school is where you grow and become you.

So listen up big ole senior! You’re the big fish in the sea now; enjoy it because soon you’ll be the babies again. When you feel like you can’t get out of bed, when you feel too exhausted to see the same people when you feel like your teacher won’t get off your back, just breathe, because it’s all going to be okay. Enjoy the moments you’re too tired to get out of bed, the moments you’re so excited to see your friends, and especially listen to your teachers. Don’t slack off. Your teachers are there for you. They are there because they want nothing more than to see you succeed. If they push you, let them. They live for the day you walk across that stage getting your diploma and saying, “I made it” Your teachers are your best friends, not your enemies.

As for your friends, enjoy the time together, but be ready to let them go. Be ready to say goodbye because they may not be there by your side forever. It’s not that you guys won’t be friends; you’ll just soon grow apart. It’s hard being thousands of miles away and keeping that connection you had for so long. Be ready to grow without them and grow into something new and with new friends and experiences. Until that day, scream your head off at those Friday night football games. Doll yourself up for prom, and have sleepless nights with your friends. When you look back on high school those are the memories you’ll remember, those are the days you’ll want back.

One more thing, senioritis is a real thing. It will happen to you and you will feel the effects of it. Keep pushing through and keep fighting because you’ll get there. There will be times when you’re not really sure how to make it through but you will, I did, and so did my 143 classmates. Just accept the senioritis and keep pushing on, it will be over before you know it.

Now, I’ll leave you with this. Enjoy high school but don’t take it for granted. Live in the moment and don’t wish it away, because someday you’re going to wish you could go back. When you stand up on that stage in your cap and gown with all your teachers and classmates just breathe and take it all in. You only graduate high school once so stand on that stage proudly, and most importantly it’s okay to cry. I balled my eyes out on my graduation day. It’s a great accomplishment and you’re soon going to go separate ways, so remember it’s okay to cry. So, congratulations seniors you have a year of unforgettable memories ahead of you. Enjoy them and don’t wish it away. You’re almost done.