Senior year of college is fast approaching and it scares me just as much as senior year of high school did. Throughout the years being away from the oh so exciting times that high school brought, I have realized so many things. In high school everyone put so much pressure on how to act, who to be friends with and what they looked like.

College was practically shoved down our throats in the hopes that we wouldn't all be working at a minimum wage job for the rest of our lives. Getting good grades, applying for colleges, being in clubs and working as much as possible was the epitome of my high school career. Sure I had friends and we did have some good times but if there were a few things I wish I could go back and tell my past self it would be these:

1. Grades are important but don't stress out about getting a bad grade once in a while, everyone is human and we all have rough days.

2. The friends you have in high school aren't always going to be the friends you have for the rest of your life.

3. Stop worrying so much about what others are thinking of you because there is a very small chance that you will actually end up seeing them again.

4. It's perfectly fine to start over in college, thats what life is all about.

5. If you don't decide to go to college don't feel bad about it, do what you want as long as it makes you happy.

6. Not knowing what you want to do with your life after you graduate high school is perfectly okay, not many people do.

7. Stop comparing yourself to others, it won't change anything. You are trying your hardest to be the perfect you that you can be.

8. Change is coming. You will not be the same person you were in high school.

9. Focusing on yourself after high school is the most important thing that you can possibly do.

10. If your gut tells you not to do something, don't do it.

11. Life is about new experiences; take them.

12. Love will come along in the most unique and special way, don't seek it out.

13. The best years are definitely ahead, don't dwell on the past.

14. If you are feeling lost it is okay to take some time to figure yourself out, even if it's not what you think is best.

15. The most important people in your life is your family. They'll always be there for you when no one else is. Don't take them for granted.

16. Travel is possible, it just takes a lot of hard work, planning, and motivation to achieve it.

17. Deciding which college to attend is stressful, so take the time to be sure that it's the perfect fit for you. But, if it ends up not being what you expected it's okay to transfer!

18. You may not recognize the new person you have become, but I promise that you'll be grateful for the new you.

It is scary to think that life goes as fast as it does, it is almost bittersweet. If only I knew the experiences I would have, the places I would go, the people I would meet and so much more. Do not take this life for granted, it is far too precious.