Dear High School Senior,
Well, you made it! It's almost time to walk across the stage, and receive the piece of paper that is your ticket into college. It's going to feel bittersweet; that your high school career is slowly coming to an end, and all your hard work is finally going to pay off. When you started senior year, I can imagine you couldn't wait to graduate. That's how I was. But, now it's finally here. There were a lot of lasts this year; last first day, homecoming, maybe winter formal, prom, and now soon it will be the last time walking through the halls of the place that you just started getting used to. As senior year is coming to an end, just remember a few things;
Embrace the end of your high school chapter. Don't wish it all away so quick because once it's gone, growing up starts. The next couple of weeks before you walk the stage is consumed of getting all your work in, final projects, and finals. But, when your cleaning out your locker for the last time, just embrace it. Yes, it's the last time you will have to deal with remembering the combination to your locker, and the last time you will have to figure out the best route to some of your classes from there, but just think of the memories you had. Decorating it with pictures of your friends or funny picture of your cat, group gossip sessions in between classes, and so much more. Embrace the memories you made in high school. From your first homecoming pep rally, to tailgating with your class the first day of senior year, high school was a book full of memories that you will never forget, with people you will never forget. As senior year is coming to a close, get together with your class; have a bonfire, tailgate on the last day, and just enjoy each others company. I know the summer brings making memories with your friends, but you pretty much grew up with this group of people. Enjoy everything the ending of this chapter has to offer.
It's okay to be scared. As high school starts to end, and you have the college picked out where you want to spend the next four years, you may be feeling scared. Scared to go off by yourself for the first time, be somewhere new and meet new people, but it's totally okay! It's normal. I was definitely scared starting college. I took the community college route my first year, so I stayed at home. But this past year was my first away from home, and I have to admit, it was intimidating. Don't think you can't make it because you can! Starting college will be a great experience, and you'll be able to gain responsibility skills that will shape you into being an adult.
Lastly, congratulations. All of your hard work has paid off and you're about to get your diploma. Wasn't all the essays you had to write, and the math you had to learn worth it? You may not think so, but it was. Knowing you accomplished the first big achievement of your life is a great feeling. The days leading up to graduation will be emotional; knowing high school is coming to an end, decorating your cap with your closest friends, and just reminiscing on the past four years of high school. Now, when you get to graduation, and walk across the stage, you make not feel any different, but once you throw your cap, it's all over.
Well, I could sit here and write more about how to survive college, or how to get ready to leave home, but I'll let you find your way. High school was definitely tough, but you survived the drama, heartbreak, and tough love it has to offer. I'm not saying its all going to end here, or get any easier, but embrace the closing of this chapter and be ready for the next one to start.
I wish you all nothing but the best, and congrats again. You did it!
With love,
A High School Alum
