Senior year of high school is the best of times, the worst of times, and overall, bittersweet. You have the typical "first of many lasts" Insta captions and the "what will I do without them next year" Snapchat stories, but in all honesty, senior year can be tricky water to navigate- and even more turbulent when fall semester of college comes.
So, for all you sentimental, struggling, yet ecstatic high school seniors out there, I asked 8 girls for their best advice and life lessons to make the transition a little smoother, and here is what they said:
1. Spend time with your parents.
They are going to miss you like crazy!
2. No date to prom? No biggie.
Go alone with your gals and you will still have the best time.
3. Eat the ice cream!!!
Even if it isn't on your diet plan
4. Learn to love yourself before you learn to receive love from a significant other
5. Hang out with your grade as much as possible.
You've spent your whole life with them, so you think you won't miss them. You will.
6. Balance going out and staying in.
Some of the best nights are spent watching old movies and stuffing your face with calories with your girls.
7. R E S P E C T yourself.
8. Get in the habit of doing a bible study or devotional before you head to college.
It makes the transition so simpler when you are rooted in your faith.
9. Learn to be by yourself.
High school is busy and so is college, but there will be those nights when its just you, Netflix, and you are missing your hometown friends and family. If you learn to appreciate those nights in high school, you will be more content with them in college.
10. Everyone says that once you start college, you meet your "forever friends."
But keep tight to those high school friendships because college is impossible without them, and more than likely, they will be your "forever friends" too.
11. Find a church in your college town.
Gathering with a body of believers to worship is crucial, and it is a great place to make new friends and connections.
12. Call your parents!
They miss you, and I promise, even if you don't think it right now, you will miss them.
13. Learn how to manage your money.
There are so many tempting ways to spend your money in college, but learn healthy spending habits in high school to help keep your bank account (and your parents) happy once you move out.
14. Go to class.
I mean in the grand scheme of things, that's why you are at college in the first place.
15. Put yourself out there.
Forget about your nerves and how awkward you think you are and talk to those girls you want to be friends with or that cute boy in class. You don't have anything to lose.
16. You won't have your friend group within the first few weeks.
Maybe even the first few months, and that is okay. Genuine friendships that last a lifetime take time.
17. Do what you love!
Success is not defined by dollars.
18. Don't find your identity in popularity or involvement.
19. College won't be anything like you thought it would be.
20. IT IS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY.
College is hard, and there will be many breakdowns in your future, but the sun will rise, a new day will come, and you will figure it out.
A special thanks to my high school girlies for their sweet, sound, and bomb advice: Maddie Chance, Sulli Donegan, Abi Douglas, Hannah Moore, Anna Katelyn Smith, Alice Anne Walker, and Macy Ziskin!
