It is your last year of high school, and you must be so excited to graduate in just a few months. I was in your shoes exactly one year ago. It is difficult not to get overwhelmed with all of the emotions that senior year brings. It is okay to be excited, but don't forget that this is a significant time in your life.
Look into your college options
My mind was set that I was going to the local community college after high school. My guidance counselor encouraged me to apply to some four-year schools in case I changed my mind. I was certain that was not going to happen. One year later, and here I am at a four-year school. I never really looked at many options, and I still regret that to this day.
Don't start slacking off
Senior year is just as important as junior year. I know you want some time to relax, but take that extra AP class. They will help you more than you know. Colleges still look into how well you do in your senior year. If you start slacking off too much, they could revoke your acceptance.
Get a job and learn how to save money
I know the last thing on your mind may be to get a job right now. You want to spend as much time as you can with your friends before you all go your separate ways. Getting a job now will help you so much in your future. Learn how to manage your money and start saving. You will need the extra cash when it comes time to buy textbooks or to pay for your laundry in the dorm.
Don't blink
Seriously. Senior year will go by faster than you could ever imagine. Savor every minute of it. Even though you may hate school right now, I guarantee that you are going to miss some part of it in the future. During those four years of high school, I complained everyday and despised everything about it. Today, sometimes I miss the little things during that time. Nostalgia comes back every now and then. Go to every event that you can and spend every minute of your free time with your friends and family. Once you graduate, everything changes. The life you once knew is now in the past. Don't forget to have fun.
Take in every second at graduation
This is likely the last time that your entire grade will ever be all together at the same time. This is such a bittersweet moment in your life. High school graduation only happens once. Wave to your family in the crowd; you probably wouldn't have made it through the last four years without them. Smile as you walk up to get that diploma; you earned it. At this moment, all of those late nights full of tears while cramming for a test seem worth it. This is your time. Enjoy it.
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened - Dr. Seuss
Love,
The college freshman
