I graduated high school in 2016. That was two years ago. Yeah, I feel pretty old. Life in 2016 was an entirely different time than it is now, in 2018.

In 2016 I was still friends with more than half of the people I am no longer close with now. I was bumping "One Dance," "This Is What You Came For," and "Heathens" while enjoying the freedom of finally having my own car. I was talking to many people in a large group chat for incoming freshmen at the University of Rhode Island, but I would come to find that many of us were just not meant to be friends. However, at that time, the number of new people I was speaking with was twice the number of people I've ever been friends with my entire life, and I was ready to re-invent myself.

Graduation came in the blink of an eye as I'm sure you have realized. I woke up and literally said to myself,

"Crap... I'm graduating today. I'm going to college in the fall. What is life."

I wore a blush pink dress and gladiator flats, because heels were, and still are, vastly overrated. Walking across that stage to get my diploma was monumental. That piece of paper you're given represents your four years of high school, done just like that.

This summer is going to be the last summer you get to spend before your life changes. You should hang out with everyone you possibly can and create memories you'll always have to look back on. Don't waste the summer involved with anyone who causes drama. Drop them ASAP, they're old news and you don't need anyone to make this summer bad.

Whether it's a toxic friend or a boyfriend you just don't vibe with anymore, let them go. That also brings me to my next point.

If you have a significant other, you should talk to them seriously about whether you two want to take the relationship to college with you or end it now. I know of many people who were in relationships before they moved in, and those who stayed in them were constantly on FaceTime or Skype, never really went out, and just become homebodies. However, not everyone in a relationship was like that.

Just take into consideration that you may want to experience your freshman year free of baggage. If you want to remain taken, go for it. I just want you to know the relationship may end sooner than you think. Distance is hard, I had two boyfriends break up with me over it. Yes, a good guy won't use distance as an excuse, but it's an excuse many guys are more than likely to use.

Be prepared to lose half of the friend group you're in now. Even the closest of friends drift, and it's no one's fault. People are going to change, whether it's for the better or for the worst. Not everyone is meant to be your friend, and don't let this affect you too much.

You're going to meet so many people when you move to college that it's going to be hard to keep up with old friends from home. Truthfully, I've only remained strong friends with a small handful of people from home, and I'm happy. I have my friends at school and my friends at home, all you really need is a few close friends.

Go to the beach, get a tan, buy that crop top and be crazy. Let this be your summer to glow up and grow up. This summer will be one you'll never forget. Make sure you do things worth remembering.