Throughout my entire high school career, all I ever had on my mind was graduation day.

The moment I could finally be done with waking up at 6:00 a.m. everyday to learn pointless math equations that would never be relevant to my future. During the weeks leading up to graduation, things finally sunk in. Sure, there wouldn't be any more high school drama or required elective classes I had no interest in, but there also wouldn't be any more Friday night football games, homecoming dances, or the chance to see my best friends everyday. When the day finally came, it was bittersweet, but I knew greater things were to come.

Coming from someone who was slightly terrified to begin a new life away from my hometown, I'm here to tell you that life only gets better. My high school years were some of the best years of my life, but my time in college so far has surpassed those years. When you're in high school, you think the smallest things in life matter. In college, you learn not to sweat the small stuff.

Your high school grades will help get you into the school you've always wanted, but after graduation, your high school GPA disappears. Sports and after-school clubs are great, but in 20 years it probably won't matter if you were the star quarterback or the water boy, because high school doesn't define you. Your high school reputation will fade away and a new one will be created.

As far as friends go, cherish your high school friends, because they've been around to see you grow up. They know about your family and the way you were as a kid. After high school, you'll meet even more remarkable people that will surely leave a lasting impression in your life. They weren't kidding when they say you find your bridesmaids in college. Trust me, you'll know a true friend when you stumble across one.

So, to those recent high school graduates feeling uneasy about their next chapter, life is so much more than high school. Life goes on, whether you're ready for it or not. But trust me, you'll enjoy the ride.