Congratulations! You did it! You survived the past four years. For some, it may have been the best four years of your life. For others, it may have been the hardest four years of your life. Everyone goes through high school differently, but not everyone makes it out. So you should be proud! I know it's so annoying when people say, “Congrats on making it through the easiest part of your life!” Because right now, this seems like your whole life! But, unfortunately, they’re right; and you’ll find that to be true here real soon. But until then, be thankful for the moments that you have left!

Thank the math teacher that was more of a friend than a teacher. Be thankful for the teachers that somehow always seemed to have your back; be thankful for the ones that would push you, motivate you, and help you to see that the ending would make the current struggle worth it. Thank the best friend that has been by your side since first grade. You may have drifted apart once you got to high school, but you know if you called them right now, she would be there in minutes with whatever you needed. Thank your siblings that covered for you every time you were in trouble. It doesn’t matter how great of a kid, student, or person you are, we’ve all been in a situation where we needed our siblings before, and they were there. And most of all, thank your parents. They are the ones who have gotten you through the past 18 years of your life, and they’re the ones who are going to get you through the next 18. Before you smart-mouth your mom for making you be home by midnight on a Saturday night, stop and give her a hug. If she didn’t care about you, then she wouldn’t make you be home by a certain time (this is for your safety, trust me, you’ll get it eventually).

Thank every person that has had an impact in your life throughout your high school years. Every single person that you have encountered has shaped you into the person that you are today. Your life is about to change dramatically in the next three months. Trust me, I get that it really doesn't seem like it will, but it will! When August gets here, you won’t have your mom's shoulder to cry on, your best friends that you’ve grown up with or teachers that will always be there for you. Everything will be new and fresh. It doesn't matter if you're bubbly and can talk to anyone, or shy and conservative, college is going to be a different ballgame. So take a minute to stop wishing your life away and be grateful for the time that you have now.