Dear Future Graduate,

How long have you been suffering from "senioritis?"

Thank goodness that today is the day you will be graduating from high school, right?

This last month probably has been stressful. Finishing last minute future plans, going to prom, applying for scholarships, playing a sport, participating in music, working and on top of it studying for your last high school finals.

I'm sure you said I can't wait for this to be over. The day of graduation will probably seem so slow as you get ready, take hundreds of pictures with countless people, and line up to head into the ceremony. But before you run across that stage and move your tassel to the left, don't forget to reflect on your time as a high school student.

Remember the Friday Night Lights no matter the score of the football game. It was all about spending time with your classmates every Friday in the fall. Remember the crazy homecoming weeks and crazy things you wore to school. That doesn't happen after these precious years.

Remember the teachers you loved and the teachers you didn't care for. Appreciate them wanting to be with teenagers each and every day for a living. Think of what you did learn from high school whether it be in the classroom or about yourself.

Remember the stage you performed on. Remember the court or field you played on. Remember how good the home field advantage felt during that big game, or the standing ovation after a concert.

Remember the first classmate you fell for. The awkwardness of trying to hang out without having your drivers license. Remember the heartbreak. Remember how much this mattered at the time, but see how it doesn't matter much anymore.

Remember getting your driver's license and how sweet that feeling was. You could hang out with that crush, not have your parents drop you off or stop taking the bus. Remember this new sense of freedom and how great that day was.

Remember the support of your family while you were stressed out or having the time of your life. Your parents were your biggest fans and what is great is that it doesn't end after high school.

Lastly, remember your friends. They made the days go by faster, the nights go on longer. They were who you could count on to make boring classes more entertaining, group projects go more smoothly and people to sit with at lunch. Remember the laughs until you cried and remember all of the secrets they kept for you. Outside of school they were always down to go to the games, spend the weekend with, or maybe even study... Remember that you are all going different directions now in life and appreciate the time you did get to spend with them until you reunite.

Congratulations on this milestone of your life. You earned it! Before rushing this day, remember what made high school so great and thank the people who you'll never forget. You will miss it.

Sincerely,

Your future self