Dear Senior Year Self,
How exciting is it to be wrapping up your senior year? I know how excited you were while trying on your cap and gown, picturing yourself walking across the coliseum stage. By this time, you are counting down the days (and minutes) until graduation and move-in day. The thought of being independent enthralls you. You look around and list all of the “lasts” you are encountering, like the last Prom you’ll go to, the last delayed start Monday you'll have, the last school newspaper issue you’ll read, and the last time you’re going to see your two best friends every day. The thought of being away from your family and hometown is exciting and scary at the same time. But, I have to warn you one thing: don’t wish it away. No matter how much you are going to love being away, you are going to regret not fully enjoying your time as a senior. Enjoy your last few months of high school. Find the little joys in it: having your classes all close together, having teachers that know your name, being in the same classes with your friends, having your role models right next to you, and being able to hug your dog when you need it. Live in the present. Make sure to not waste your final moments in high school focusing too much on your future.
Although you may not see the same people you have for the past several years in a short few months, make sure to be remembered for something you are proud of. Ten years from now, you won’t want to be remembered for your partying skills; be remembered for being kind and compassionate, opening doors for strangers and helping whoever needs it. Don’t take people for granted. Make sure to tell your parents “I love you” every day before school, no matter how angry you are with them. You will miss those opportunities when you are away from home next year. Enjoy your mom’s cooking; I promise that you will eat all of the Chick-fil-A your heart desires next year. Go to youth group every week; you will miss hugging your youth pastor and friends every Wednesday. Start establishing your faith in Your Bible even more; you won’t have your home church with you next year, and it is very trying when you have to search for one at college. Make sure to watch all of the Golden Girls episodes with your siblings now, because you will be away from them for a while. Times may get hard these next few months, but you have to just grit and bear it. Cling onto the promise that the best is yet to come.
Graduation will come sooner than you think. It will be emotional. It will hit you hard when your sister adjusts your graduation cap. Your world will be spinning while hearing the valedictorian's speech. You will be scared yet thrilled. Yes, college will be rough at times. You will stay up late, but there is always Starbucks in Joyner Library. You will know stress on a entirely new level, but you are preparing yourself for your career. You will miss people back at home, but they're always a call away. But, more importantly, it will be worth it in the end. College is amazing.
Most important of all, stay true to yourself. If you want to go to a certain college, go for it. It doesn’t matter if it’s labeled as a “party school.” Will people call you a partier next year? Absolutely. But, you know what? Let them. You don’t have to satisfy others in regards to what college you choose. Your college experience comes from what you make of it. Don’t fret. It doesn’t matter where you get your degree; it matters what you do with it.
Congratulations on getting this far in life. I’m proud of you. Don’t let anyone bring you down. Keep strong and know that you’re above what people say about you. You’re going to great things, meet amazing people, and study hard. Psalm 91:4, girlfriend.
The Sky’s the Limit,
Your College Self
