Upon graduating, I wish someone would have told me these 13 things-- so here's what you should know..

1. Your grades still matter.

Most people think that senior year will be an easy ride. That's not true- you still have to try because colleges look at senior year grades more than other grades. Your senior year grades show if you try to the very end or only finish things half way.

2. Don't worry about the college you didn't get accepted into.

Just because you didn't get accepted into the school of your dreams doesn't mean the school you choose won't be the school of your dreams in the end. Look at the good in the colleges you have been accepted to not the bad in them- they might just be better than that college you got didn't get into.

3. Scholarships are a LIFESAVER.

Apply for EVERY SINGLE ONE YOU CAN! Do I need to repeat that? I'll do it anyways- APPLY FOR EVERY SINGLE ONE YOU CAN. You might think "Oh I'll never get it"- but did you ever think you might? It never hurts to try. Yes, some scholarships require essays in your application, your essays don't have to be perfect... just write what you feel you should write about.

4. Be involved.

I repeat- BE INVOLVED. You will regret it in the end. I was so happy I got out of my shell my senior year; I went to football games, baseball games, prom, parties, I joined clubs, and I made sure to speak my mind on things that matter. Those experiences are some I will take with me for the rest of my life. The pictures will forever be cherished and I will always smile looking back. I celebrated the lasts of my high school career with the best people I could ever imagine.

5. The people who never liked you don't matter.

It's true, they don't. At least, not to you. You will probably never seem them after you toss your graduation cap in the air. The things they said about you; no one will remember. The mistakes you made; won't be carried on.

6. Form your own opinions on politics.

Many seniors still believe things that their parents believed. They don't have their own opinions but your OWN opinions matter. You're on your own now, you will be able to vote. Don't vote because your parents told you who/what to vote for. Research and decide for yourself. You'll think me later.

7. Do things you've never done before.

Go with your class hiking, to Six Flags, or even to the movie you think is dumb. I say this because you'll say "I wish I did" years from now. There's not much I can say but do things you've never done before.

8. It's OKAY to take a leap year.

Use this year to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Just don't give up after that year- make the decision to go back to school to better your life, don't give up during that year.

9. Forgive the guy/girl that broke your heart.

Don't literally go up to them and say "I forgive you" or do, you do you. Forgive them in your mind and heart. Do it because when they gave up on you and gave you the greatest gift of all- the chance to find the person who loves you and will better you. Trust me, you may not believe that but you will when you mean the love of your life.

10. Kindness goes farther than meanness

Our home girl, Selena Gomez, says it best... The world can be a nasty place / You know it, I know it, yeah / We don’t have to fall from grace / Put down the weapons you fight with / Kill 'em with kindness

11. You might avoid the Freshman 15 but you're not going to avoid the Senior 7.

Yeah I know it's not a real thing but you will change during your senior year. There will be nights you've been out shopping and planning stuff for graduation that you've had to eat fast food for the sixth time that week- it's okay. Eat the brownie, or five, because sometimes you just gotta eat your worries away (don't lie, we've all done it). Gaining a few pounds won't hurt, you wont even notice probably. You're still great just the way you are.

12. Appreciate the adults in your life, they've made you who you are.

You wouldn't have made it without them, thank them for all they've done.

13. Create friendships with your teachers.

I say this because you'll need a recommendation letter at some point and you'll want someone who really know you. Don't be the suck up/class pet, but do enough to get their attention (in a good way).

ENJOY your senior year, you won't get a do-over. Appreciate everything you do and the people you do it with; you may not see them again.