As I am a second-semester freshman in college, I look back on my high school years freshly remembering the times I found to be the most memorable. I began my senior year of high school with the mindset of making it the "best year ever," and I did. Senior year was without a doubt the best year of my life. Unfortunately, I was unprepared for the huge transition last summer that was moving into college. That being said: to my best friends finishing their last year in June, to the seniors from my old high school, to the seniors in my rival high schools, to any senior in any high school across the nation, this is for you.
Dear Senior,
You've just about made it.
It's January, so half of you probably know what you're doing or where you're going come fall, and half of you don't quite know just yet. That's OK. You may be excited or you may be nervous, and both of those are OK too.
But the year is already half over.
Think back to August or September, when you stepped into the doors of the building for the last first time. "The Year of Lasts," as everyone calls it. Frankly, that's just plain depressing. I like to refer to senior year as "The Year of the Unforgettable." You're so excited to finally be able to say it's your last year at this school.
Think back to October or November, when you attended your last football game. Think of the cold nights you sat on the bleachers rooting for your team, no matter how much their reputation may suck. Think of the delicious cheese fries, fried Oreos, soft pretzels or hot dogs that made you sick later but were so worth making your way down to the grandstand for.
Think back to your school's annual events that you would attend or participate in. For my school, it's the Powderpuff football game, MiniThon, Homecoming, the senior class trip to Disney World in the spring, etc. Think of how much fun you had at events like that, how much school spirit your school attempted to claim. Think of how much fun you and your friends had, sharing laughs with your fellow classmates or running around forgetting about your schoolwork for those few hours of joy.
You still have a few months left, senior. Try not to stress about AP tests or final exams right now, just think about the memories that are coming your way! Focus on the bad, and you'll remember the bad. Try not to get hung up on that crush you've had for years whose eyes are on another person and get excited about the decor you're going to hang in your dorm. Try not to worry to let the little things bother you too much because in reality, a year from now, you're not going to remember what you were so hung up about. You're going to remember all the positives, none of the negatives. Keep the milestones engraved in your memory and try to kick the negative memories out.
Transitioning may be easy, or it may be really hard. That being said, take this year in stride. It's going to be really weird when you and your friends move to different schools. Sure, you'll see each other on breaks and whenever you can, but take this year and really glorify each second of each day.
Jumping into a new world full of new people, a new area, and new and harder work is very strange but very exciting. You're going to become aware that you're becoming more mature, and again, it's strange. Get involved with activities and clubs and work hard, and you'll make college amazing.
For now, while excitedly awaiting meeting your new roommate and countless graduation parties you'll be attending this summer, be sure you're creating the best memories you can. Now, looking through my phone smiling and laughing at pictures and videos I took a year ago, I feel so happy to have created such a wonderful "last hoo-rah".
Here's to you, senior. Good luck, and have the best final months!
Love,
A Senior, One Year Later
