Dear High School Seniors,

Congrats! You're almost there. You should be proud of all that you've done, and looking forward to all of the amazing things to come.

So you're about to graduate, and for many of you, college is right around the corner. You're about to face a whole new chapter. Crazy to think about, right? Although I'm only a freshman in college, I feel like it was just yesterday that I was in your shoes and felt the very same whirlwind of emotions that you are all experiencing right now—and there are a few things that I want you all to know.

First of all, slow down . Don't wish high school away. Be excited for the future, but don't forget to be present in the moment. Believe me when I say that there is nothing quite like high school—and you don't have much time before it's all gone forever. Right now, you have the comfort of your family at home every day. You have the same circle of friends right there for you, and lots of support from everyone. Your class load probably isn't too overwhelming—something you will miss a lot after graduating. I promise you, at some point, you will miss the Friday night lights, the familiar faces, the basketball games, your favorite teachers, being always in your comfort zone, and having your parents there every day so you never truly have to face anything alone. Don't take these things for granted.

Next, be prepared for college so it doesn't hit you like a ton of bricks. It's an amazing time, but also a large wake up call. You are forced to be an individual. You have no choice but to be strong, self sufficient, responsible, and handle rigorous course work while branching out to be social and ultimately reinvent yourself. You will be thrown into a million new scenarios, and it's the coolest and most exhausting thing ever.

My first year of college seems to have gone by faster than I ever could have thought. Already, I can't imagine my life without my new friends. I have met so many incredible people who have expanded my horizons in a multitude of ways. Be prepared to greet a million new faces, and don't shut yourself off to the opportunity of making new friends, whoever they may be. Some of my strongest friendships were my most unlikely ones.

Secondly, get excited for living on your own. It's more fun that I can put into words. You have no one to monitor you, tell you what to do, or help you distinguish right from wrong. It's challenging, at times, but this is how you grow. You might find it all stressful at first, but college life is the most rewarding and thrilling experience. You learn from your mistakes, and keep on keeping on. There is a certain satisfaction that you feel knowing you are truly accountable for yourself, and have no one to answer to. This is your experience, and it is up to you to shape it in whatever way you desire.

In the midst of all of the stress of applications, deadlines, organizing graduation parties, and planning for a number of things at once for next year—try to slow down, take a deep breath, and drink it all in. I hope you look to the future with excitement, and know that your world is about to spin in a thousand directions in the best way possible. I also hope that you don't take the remainder of your high school experience for granted—it is a special time, and one that you can never get back. Appreciate each moment and savor every memory—and be prepared to make a whole lot of new ones.

Sincerely,

A College Student