This is my letter to all of you high school seniors, whether you'll be a graduating gal or guy, who is wishing away the last few weeks of high school. You know who you are. I can tell because I was once you, and now a college sophomore, these are a few things I just want you to remember.
It’s finally your time to leave the nest, and move onto some of the greatest years of your life. College is the place to learn, explore, and grow. It’s where you find your soulmates, both in the guys and girls you date, and the friends you choose to be surrounded by for. College is the starting point to the rest of your life, and you can't wait till you finally pick the right one for you.
It all started with the online searches and on-campus visits. I just hope you remembered the golden rules to finding a “perfect” college. It has to have your chosen major, be located close enough to home for your parents, and just far away enough for you and hopefully, be affordable. That last one might just be the most important factor to remember. There are an abundance of schools with your major, but which ones can you afford? Yes, you can get loans, and even more loans on top of that, but I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to still be paying for an education while I'm paying for my kids to get one.
By now, you’re counting down the days till graduation, and counting the days till freshman move-in and orientation. By now, you’re planning your dorm room on Pinterest and stalking your roommate on Facebook. This is the excitement and anticipation, and trust me, it won’t end until you take your most likely scary looking student ID. The excitement won’t end until you/re an official college student.
I just have a few questions for you to consider. Why are you wishing away high school? Why are you wishing away the last few weeks you have with your friends, the guys and girls you’ve been sitting in classes with since preschool? Why are you wishing away the moments of embarrassment from your parents? Why are you wishing away the free laundry? Why are you wishing away dinner cooked for three instead of 3,000 or 30,000? Why are you wishing away prom, because doesn’t everyone love buying expensive dresses that will only be worn once? Why are you wishing away seeing your best friend every day?
Just remember, you can't go back. Cherish each last moment you have at home. Home is where love is unconditional and where no quarters are needed to wash one pair of leggings so you don’t have to wear jeans, because no one ever wants to wear jeans. Ever. Stay focused on your last few weeks as a senior. Take pride in knowing you made it through to the top, and that your dreams are only a dorm room away. But please just remember to know where you came from, what you believe in, and who your parents raised you to be.
