It's crazy to think that just 6 months ago I was a senior. Time flew by so fast that I felt like it wasn't long enough. Senior year is the most important year in high school. Everything that we have worked for since 9th grade has finally come to that point where we have to start making decisions. From personal experience, I loved high school. I had a great group of friends and amazing teachers who helped prepare me for college. I wouldn't change a single thing. I made the most of it and I can honestly say that it was the best four years of my life. I honestly sometimes wish I could go back. Don't get me wrong; college is great, but sometimes I miss being in high school.
As a senior I remember the feeling when it came to applying to colleges. It was all I could ever think about. It was such an eventful year, thinking of where I would end up going and where my friends would go. When I started applying to colleges I was overly stressed. I would constantly have mental breakdowns because it was such a scary time. Wherever I went was defined by whoever read my college application. Although that was hard, I can honestly say it was all worth it. Senior year was the best year even after all the happy and sad crying.
Although at times I wished for school to be over, I'm glad that it wasn't. Although you may be feeling like that, please don’t wish it away. I know you want to get out of there, to be done with high school and everything it encompasses, but please, take everything one day at a time. Enjoy it. Even the bad days.
Realizing that it's your "year of lasts" is actually pretty sad. Knowing that you will be graduating makes you feel really sentimental when you realize that it's your last football game. Last prom, last pep rally and especially your last time being a high school senior. Everything starts to hit you. Senior year is filled with moments that you wont ever get back. As hard as you may try (or not) to recreate the good times once you get to college, you won’t be able to. No matter what, they will be different. You will never get these moments back.
Also, make many friends out of your usually friend group. I mean that. In your last year, it’s tempting to cling to the familiar. I get that 100%. But talk to the girl who wears the t-shirt from the band you love, even if she’s a sophomore. Talk to the people who you don’t sit by at lunch. By the time it’s all over, your class should be a little family. Screw the cliques (none of it matters anyway, sorry).
Senior year is when you realize who your real friends are. From personal experience I can say that it's okay to let things (and people) go. If post-high school life has taught me anything, it’s the temporary nature of everything and everyone. Realize that friendships might not withstand the post-high school chaos. Be understanding. Learn to let go and move forward. You’re better off.
Lastly, don’t be scared of the possibility of change. Some of you really are moving, and no matter what, all of you are moving on. That’s the simple truth of the entire situation. Take all of the rest of the components out of the equation, and that’s that. A chapter of your life is ending, yes, but don't be scared. Accept it. It’s a change, but it’s exciting. Don’t see this as an end, see it as a new beginning-- a chance to reinvent if you choose to. No matter what, you still have a few more months until it’s all over, whatever that may mean to you. Make the most of it.
