To Seniors in High School:
High school is a long four years. At least it feels that way. But, in a heartbeat, you are walking off the stage at graduation after shaking your principal’s hand, and stumbling back to your seat, realizing high school is actually over and you’re never going back.
I know you’re probably dying to get out of there right now, you’re tired of having to ask permission to go to the bathroom and tired of all the busy work your teachers are having you do. But honestly, it goes by quicker than you think and you should really enjoy it before it’s all gone.
Go to every sports game you can
Football games were some of my favorite memories in high school. I had so many friends on the field and even more in the stands with me. We all made an effort to get to every Friday night game. Decked out in whatever spirit color it was that week and made so memories. Even if you have no idea what’s going on and sports isn’t your thing, go anyway, dress and your school colors and hang out with your friends. Going to support my friends was a lot of fun, it was an event and we made sure we went to as many as possible, and so many friends supported me when I played. Honestly, I would do anything to get to go to another high school football game with my friends.
Stay in touch with your friends
You’re going to college soon, which means the friends you have grown up with and known for so long are all going separate ways (and it usually works out that none of you actually make it to the same school). Being at school you won’t be able to text someone to go do a Trop Smoothie run or walk down the street to stay the night at a friend’s anymore. So enjoy the time you have with everyone, get together as much as possible, lose the petty high school drama, and make the most of the time you have home with them, because in a few months when you are off at school it’s not easy to keep in touch with everyone.
Go to homecoming and prom
Please go to the dance, get dressed up, go to a nice dinner, take pictures, and have an awesome time dancing with your friends. Maybe dancing isn’t your thing, maybe you think you’re too cool to go, or you don’t want to go because you didn’t get a date, whatever it is forget it. You’re missing out on memories that you could be making. So go to the school dance and have a good time. You don’t have many dances like those in college so make the most of it.
Be nice to your parents
Look, I know you’re a teenager and you’re really cool and all. You’re a senior and you know everything, so “listen and be nice to your parents” is the last thing you want to hear, I know that. But soon you won’t have them nagging you to grab a jacket, buying your groceries, making you dinner, and being there when you need to talk, so be nice. Being at college is an extremely different experience than living at home. You don’t have your parents to help you with anything or just there to talk to when you want to. The dining hall at school will never compare to the food you got at home, so appreciate it while you’re still there. Don’t pick a fight with them, instead tell them you love them, because soon the only time you’ll really get to see them (other than thanksgiving and winter break) will be if they can figure out Facetime or Skype.
Finally, just live in the moment and make the most of the days you have with family and friends. High school is an interesting fun four years so enjoy the parts you can. College isn’t too far down the road for you and a lot changes when you get to school. So have fun and enjoy being home while you can!
Sincerely,
A college student
