Dear Former High School Student,

You don’t know me, but trust me, I know you. First things first, let me congratulate you on graduating from high school. It’s a feat we take for granted nowadays, but still an incredible accomplishment that not everyone can achieve. Now that you’ve had your day in the sun it’s time to admit something you probably realized the first time you re-visited your high school: You’re washed up. A has been. You peaked.

It doesn’t matter if you were the three-sport captain, class president or voted most popular, it’s a fact that you’re now on the outside looking in. It’s the feeling you get when an old teacher says “What are you doing here?” Or an underclassman friend asks “Shouldn’t you be at college?” And the worst, when a freshman doesn’t know who you are. (How dare they?)

And it’s a strange feeling, right? Whether you loved or loathed high school, you spent your four years always longing for what was next. In some ways, you were ready to get out before you were really ever in. In the blink of an eye, you’re now just an alum, a stranger. (i.e washed up). Even if you love college, there’s still a little part of you that misses high school, because you definitely are not on the top of the totem poll anymore. However, just like Queen Clarice gracefully passed Princess Mia the crown in "Princess Diaries 2," so too must you pass down the royalty and move on.

Have no fear, though, because you are in fact in the majority. I mean, just look at the entire ensemble of Glee and you’ll see you’re not alone. Even Tim Riggins lives in the past! (We going to State baby!) Bruce Springsteen wrote a classic about his “Glory Days” and every Kenny Chesney country song makes it seem like, after high school, you either get married or die. Yikes.

But friends, life only begins after high school. Those people and those memories are what have built you for your next great adventure. And, they’re what is going to be waiting for you when you come back, like that soccer sweatshirt you got freshman year but are embarrassed to wear now. Who else cares for you that much at 2 a.m besides that sweatshirt? No one.

When you come home on breaks from school, it’s awesome to see your high school pals, but you want to know what’s even better? Not having to see the people you don’t want to! Yes, people, you heard me, you can choose who you hang out with! Here’s another thing: no prom drama! You can be glad those days of stressing over your dress, your date and everything in between have come to a not so sad end. Bonus: Nap times! When you see the Snapchat stories of your friends still in high school falling asleep in class, you can laugh knowing your nap is already scheduled.

So, there you have it. Yes, for many of us, high school was awesome. But I’ll let you in on a little secret: the world beyond is so much better. Take the memories you have from high school, and let them power you to more success. Don’t be embarrassed to go back and visit your teacher, coach and team. It’s just another bragging opportunity to tell everyone how well you’re doing. People will tell you high school is the best four years of your life. Others will say college. Me? I think it would be sad to say the best part of your life was over by the time you were 18 or 22, so forget other people and make every year the best of your life.

Sincerely

A “washed-up” high school graduate/college freshman