Hey there,
Now I do not want to scare you, but high school graduation is on your horizon, what's your plan? Now, many people go to the military, go straight into the workforce, take a gap year, or go to college. The last one is what I am going to be talking about. College - the next step of your life. It's super intimidating and scary and I will say nothing more about that.
I personally hated high school. All the cliques and drama and lack of independence really took a toll on me. EVERYTHING was important. Clubs, grades, SAT/ ACT scores. Literally everything. I was up till the crack of dawn so many times I think if I were to take the time to see how long I had stared at my AP U.S. History and Politics textbook, it would equivocate up to 500 hours. I took the ACT which was all sorts of boring, but important as well. Before I go on, I will say that the five components of a college application are so important. Get your SAT/ ACT/ placement test scores up, get your letters of recommendation, get your college essay to its fullest potential, get your transcript ready, and get your resume up to par. You don't need to be the president of every club, and you don't need to have A+'s in every class. College administration reps are tough, but realistic as well.
I remember being a wreck thinking about college. I thought it was the end of the world, my childhood, my parents expected me to grow up, and if I did not make friends my life would be over. I am here to tell you that none of that is true. I call my parents probably two to three times a day, everyone on campus wants to help you adjust, and all freshmen are in the same boat as you, and they want to make friends as well. Now I'm sure you have heard this a bunch of times, but now it's coming from someone who is living through it every day. It is possible to thrive in the best possible ways.
I have three extremely important tips for all of you high school seniors to sincerely take into consideration (and no, keeping your grades up is not one of them, you should be doing that on your own)
1) Before College: Never, ever take advantage of anything you have now.
I came home to visit one weekend and I actually started to cry because even just having a nice, peaceful walk is a luxury that I have had trouble getting at school. Taking a shower without flip-flops was also amazing and I got to sleep in my own bed again. Most importantly, I got to see some awesome people again and see my parents in person for the first time in weeks.
2) At College: Be on top of your work.
Most of you are used to having the same class every day, getting homework every night that is due the next day, and then doing it. In college, the majority of you will have classes every other day. It gets tough keeping up with all the work your professors give you. I recommend a planner/ organizer. It does wonders.
3) At College: Have fun.
College is not high school. "The best four years of your life" are really going to start next year. Venture out. Make new friends. Go places. Try new foods. Join a bunch of clubs. Take risks. Make mistakes, and then learn from them. And while you're doing all of this, give your parents a call. They did raise you.
With love,
A college freshman
(P.S.- It is so okay to be scared. I spoke form the heart but this is all something I have heard before too. You will never know what it is like until you step on campus. But I promise, it is a choice that you will not regret.)