To every high school senior who's tired of late-night cram sessions because AP Statistics just doesn't make any sense, who's tired of hearing the words "Common App" and "essay."

To every high school senior who's still jittery from all the desperate dreaming, who's crashing from a year of pent-up enthusiasm turned to disappointment (or success).

To every high school senior who's depressed about what could have been, every high school senior who's spent one too many nights crying themselves to sleep because they can't figure out what the point of it all is anymore, but can't help but keep on keeping on.

To every high school senior, every soon-to-be college freshman, who's just tired of it all, who's wishing that he or she tried harder, who's scared that he or she didn't try hard enough, who can't even realize their own success because they're too busy dwelling on the successes of others.

You did awesome.

College admissions is its own demon, but you still managed to conquer it. You didn't dare let it get you down (though it was very close at times), and instead, you took that determination and spun it into your special brand of gold. You've figured out where you're going to spend the next four years of your life and study into your passions. Now the rest of your life is spread out in front of you like a juicy ripe watermelon.

And I know some of you are disappointed. I know many of you didn't receive the outcome you were hoping for. I know that many of you feel cheated; feel that all of your Herculean efforts were exhausted for naught. I know, and I understand. I've been there. Many of my friends have been there. Thousands of us across the country have at least felt a little like this during our college application journey. But believe me, friend, it was still all worth it.

You've made it this far in your life, and that in itself is worth celebrating. Not everybody has the resources to go out and pursue their passions, so make the most of it. Win that Pulitzer. Earn that Fulbright. The possibilities are endless--after all, your life has only just begun. I know some of you may be disappointed now, but once you set foot on campus, it'll be much, much different. You won't be just another part of the college, the college will be a part of you. And if you're still not happy with where you are, the option to transfer is always right there in front of you.

So get off your bed, and put down that fifth of coffee. Or, you know what, snuggle down further into those cozy sheets, and drink up. I know how exhausted you all are. So rest up--because with where you're going, you're going to need all the energy you can get to truly do your best. And I know you will.

Sincerely,

A friend