Every year around the first Saturday in May, social media platforms are flooded with people in their graduation regalia, rightfully flaunting their degrees, and posting shoutouts to those have made everything possible during college.

For many others, it’s a different type of milestone-- just another year passed and another year closer to graduation. Rising seniors often have it the hardest because they know that only two semesters stand between them and graduation day. They have already survived three (or more) years, and they know final stretch is often the hardest.

Here’s an open letter to all the new college seniors:

Dear new college seniors,

You have just witnessed yet another graduation. Many of your friends have likely left, leaving you with several underclassmen you don’t know in your major. Don’t despair yet - even though you still have a year to go.

Reflect and be proud of yourself. Not everyone has made is this far. No matter what your life’s timeline has been, it is still yours. You haven’t suffered long semesters and even longer nights for nothing. You haven’t had difficult professors for nothing. You haven’t done everything up to this point for nothing. It has all been for something.

Be confident in yourself and excel. Everyone knows senioritis is a little too real, and it’s okay to feel that way sometimes. But don’t let it get the best of you either. This is your time to shine more than ever. You can’t reverse that C you made as a freshman, but you can make that A this year. Set goals and do your best to achieve them.

Think about your future. Not everyone plans out every step of their life. But if there was a time to do it, it would be now. You don’t have to have absolutely everything planned, but at least have an idea of what you’re doing. Begin thinking about a course of action once you receive that diploma. Polish up your resume. Begin job searching. Try not to wait until the last minute like others will.

Don’t forget about your life right now. It can be easy to get caught up in thoughts about the future, but that doesn’t take away everything right in front of you. Cherish the time you have left with your friends and classmates. Make some memories. You’ll only be in college for a little while longer before you walk across that stage.