Dear Class of 2018,

As I sit at my university’s student union nostalgically writing this, it feels like I was in your shoes just yesterday and at times, I wish I were. The thrill of being a carefree high-school senior at this time is one you’ve probably never experienced before. You’re living in an era where the biggest stress on your mind is where you’re going to go off campus for lunch during your fifty-minute window of freedom in a school day, whether AP exams are worth taking or not, or what color corsage or boutonniere would look better with your dress for senior prom, one of the most memorable nights this year. The stress of finishing college applications are over and you might even know where you’re spending the next four years already.

While writing this letter, I flipped through photos from graduation, my last first day of school, senior breakfast, the senior pranks and all the hugs and farewells I gave when I left high school last year. It was a time when cliques brought down their barriers and our senior class became a family, as many realized that the comfort of seeing the same people everyday would become a thing of the past. These moments, although fleeting, are ones you will remember but won’t be able to experience again so be sure to take it all in. Don’t be afraid to take part in cheesy school traditions because this is the only chance you’ll have to do so, as you and and your closest friends will dive into the new beginnings sooner than you think.

As a freshman in college, take my word when I tell you to enjoy the good times and the bad in high school. Your stresses will amplify along with the freedom you’ll receive in college (if that’s the path you’re heading towards), however you’ll have days like the one I’m having today while writing this letter where you reminisce on the free time you used to have or the ability to have a home-cooked meal anytime you want. The freedom you’ll feel after graduation and as you head on into college is worth the stress you’ll experience as you’ll learn to juggle your social and academic life, so be ready for any emotions life will throw at you.

As you walk on the stage at graduation and glance out at a crowd of loved ones cheering you on, a million thoughts will race through your mind: What’s life going to be like in a year from now? Will I be content and successful? Am I even ready? I wish I could tell you I knew the answer, but the unknown is what makes the future worth being excited over and trust me, you’ll be fine. In the meantime, tell your teachers you appreciate them, fight your urge to skip your classes and actually attend them, take lots of pictures, and prep yourself for whatever life throws at you.

It might seem like the end, but trust me, it’s only the beginning.

Sincerely,

The Class of 2017