A letter to the graduating class,
It's the same old, same old. Just another year in high school, right? Wrong. It's your senior year and though everyone tells you, "Enjoy, it will go by fast," I'm here to tell you, it goes by way too fast. As y'all begin your last year of two-a-days, I couldn't help but think of things I wish people had told me about senior year. Though I had to live and learn through it all, I'm here to share with you five things to know about your senior year.
1. Don't stress
College applications, the ACT, football games, volleyball, late night cheer practices -- the list can go on and on. Don't stress yourself your senior year, enjoy, because trust me, you will soon be stressing enough. Get everything you need to get done, DONE, as soon as you can. Sure stress is going to come, but don't let it get to you. Simply stop, take a breath, remind yourself this is worth it, then continue on.
2. Make new friends
Sure everyone has their own cliques but go out adventure with a new crowd. You may find out you enjoy their company more. Think about it, this is the last year you will get to see your classmates every day. Some may go to college with you, but it's not going to be the same. Go out with another group, try new things, meet new people and most importantly, have fun!
3. Have school spirit
Maybe there won't be a talent show at the end of homecoming week, maybe you don't get to participate in the "boy build" during the homecoming pep rally, but even if you can't do those things, enjoy homecoming week. Go to the lunchtime activities, participate in them, go to the pep rallies, the parade, even football games. It may not hit you now, but this is your last time to stand on the sidelines or sit in the stands and cheer for the boys in green and white. Cherish those times and when you get to walk the field for one last time, it's okay to shed a few tears. Make memories on the field, cheering on the sidelines, or even in the stands. Friday night football is a big thing, and you'll always remember it.
4. Don't worry about the guy/girl
No matter how many times my friends, parents and even my favorite teacher stressed it to me, I didn't listen, and man, I sure wish I did. Don't worry about the guy or girl, because honestly, in the end, they may not be worth it. I spent almost all of my senior year stressing over one boy and I missed out on so many things. I deeply regret this and I hope you never have to go through it. So go out with your friends, don't worry about anyone else but yourself. Your happiness and opinion are the only ones that should matter to you at this point in time. (And if you've found your "one" congrats, but still don't forget to have fun, you're only a senior once!)
5. Attend senior things
Senior sunrise, prom, senior trip, senior sunset -- attend it all. Don't be the one who is "too cool" to do that. Trust me, you're not. Senior sunrise is your last time to start school with the same amount of people, so go to the stadium at 7:15, eat donuts with your classmates, watch the sunrise, then go to school. Prom's not for everyone, I understand that, but from experience, GO. It's so fun to see everyone so dressed up, dancing and just having fun. Stick around to watch the awards. Trust me, some of them are funny! Go eat at Whataburger after prom, go watch movies at a friend's house, something; spend time with your friends! Ahhh, senior trip. Senior trip is one of the most memorable things about high school. Pick a place where you can do different activities, run around, swim, something productive and enjoy it. Last but not least, senior sunrise. Senior sunrise was so much fun for us. Go out to the Sandhills, cook out, play volleyball, slide down the dunes, play with water guns, enjoy it and make it fun! These are some of the last times you'll be with your classmates so make the most of it.
Before you know it the day will come, you'll be standing in a line, wearing caps and gowns, waiting to walk into the Complex. The march will start and you'll realize, four years of high school and it quickly came to an end. As you take your seats and being listening to the speeches, you'll look around and see your classmates, eyes filled with tears of joy, and realize, this is it. This is the last time you and your classmates will be in the same room. It sucks to see it come to an end, and of course, you'll be excited to start a new chapter in your life, but high school are the best years of your life and you'll soon understand it. So treasure this next year, have no regrets, and most importantly enjoy yourself because you're only a senior once.
From experience,
A has-been.
