Dear senior,
You're just a few short weeks away from walking across that stage, accepting your diploma, and leaving behind the world that you've known for the past 18 years. First of all, congratulations! After months of working hard, applying to schools, and experiencing all the "lasts," you're finally here. And while many of you are ready to be sprung free and can't wait for the next chapter of your life, there are some of you who don't necessarily feel that way. Some of you are so ready to be done with the stress, but are not quite ready to say goodbye to your school, your friends, your sports, and your homes. And I'm here to tell you that that is perfectly okay.
It might seem like something is wrong with you because everyone else is so excited and ready to leave, but believe me, you're not alone in feeling the way you do. It's okay to be excited for the next phase of your life, but it's also okay to be terrified. It's an emotional experience and it impacts everyone in a different way. So don't feel guilty for being scared or sad.
I was just like you. A year ago, I started feeling nervous when thinking about what the next four years would bring. I cried for every last. My last band concert, soccer game, track meet, and day of school. It's not that I wasn't excited for college and something new, but deep down I kept thinking, "I'd be fine if I could stay here for another year longer." I was so comfortable with my friends and didn't want to think about saying goodbye. And I felt this way through the start of college. On the day I moved in, I couldn't help but count down until the days I'd be moving back out.
But here's the really great news. College is a wonderful experience! I've had some of my greatest days and worst days here, but I can honestly say that this year has been an incredible change for me. While the first few months are hard and even to this day I still get homesick sometimes, moving on to this chapter in my life has been a vital experience. I've grown up, changed, discovered new hobbies, met new people, and have learned to adapt to new experiences. I no longer feel tied down to one place and now I have two wonderful towns to call home.
So, if you're feeling scared or nervous, embrace that. Most likely, you'll feel that way even after you start school in the fall. But those feelings don't last forever and you'll soon be in my place: looking back at the year behind me and recognizing how wonderful freshman year has been.
So, enjoy your last few weeks as high school seniors. Take in every moment and don't let your fear of the future stop you from being excited about what you have in the present. The next year of your life will be the fastest you've ever had and before you know it, you'll be packing up your college dorm room, wishing you had just a little more time.
Sincerely,
A former high school senior who wasn't ready to move on
