Dear 2016 High School Graduate,

You’re so close to graduating that you can practically taste it! You are almost finally done with high school -- the four longest, or maybe even slowest, years of your life so far. You’ll pass your exams, fulfill all your required credits and then walk the stage with the rest of your class, some of whom you’ve never spoken a word to before and some you consider family. You’ll go to graduation parties, work all summer and then before you know it, you’ll be packing up the truck and heading to school to begin your freshman year. I know this routine because I was in your shoes at this same time last year.

I just want to first start this letter by saying that I am so unbelievably proud of you. I know high school might not have always been the easiest, especially this past school year when I left. I’m proud of you for breaking out of your shell a little bit more and really forming a solid group of friends. I’m proud of you for figuring out what you think you want to major in and deciding where you want to go for college. I’m proud of you for finishing out the school year strong and passing whatever tests, homework or projects you need to pass in order to graduate. Most importantly, I’m proud of you for becoming the beautiful individual you are.

Although I’m only a year older than you, I still feel the need to protect you. You know this because I still have a tendency to “mom-it-up” around you in certain situations. Yes, high school was great, but trust me when I say college is greater. It’s greater in the sense that you’ll finally become who you truly are instead of being sheltered in the little town we call home. You’ll meet people along the way, some will become lifelong friends and some will just be another name in a class. You’ll make your fair share of mistakes, and from those, you’ll learn some of your most important life lessons. You’ll make some of the best memories with people you care about immensely. This upcoming year is definitely something to look forward to.

Now, for the sappy part…I know you don’t want to hear this part, but it’s the most important so suck it up and read it. One, I love you. I know I tell you it all the time, but I really do and I genuinely always will. Being apart from you this past year has not always been the easiest and there have been times where I wished I were with you instead of seeing you through FaceTime on a computer screen. This next year will be even harder to see you and I have started to come to terms that our five-minute drive that turned into an hour drive will now turn into a two hour drive. Of course I am so happy that you chose a school that was right for you, but yes, I will miss you a ridiculous amount being so far from my other half. Promise to call when something cool happens or you just need to sob to someone or when you want to tell me you’re coming to visit. I’m always going to be a phone call away.

I’m so proud of you on almost graduating, so finish out this next month strong and then we can make the most of our summer together! I love you and congratulations! You (almost) did it!

Love,

Me