I am a senior in high school, and the other day I heard that we only have around 40 school days left. Initially, I could not think of any reason to be anything but overjoyed; however as I continued to explore these past four years, I suddenly felt saddened by nostalgia. The amount of growing we accomplish as human beings from freshman to senior year is tremendous, and the knowledge we obtain is unmatched.

Just recently, I received notice that I will be going to the University of Louisville in the fall on a really good scholarship. So, many of my peers congratulated me for, "not having to do work anymore." This got me thinking. It does seem like we are close to the end, but are we really finished? Do I want to quit now? Is my time in high school essentially over? The answer to all of those questions is simply no. We are not done yet, and for that we owe it to ourselves and our schools to give it our best these last couple of weeks.

I am not trying to sound like a homework obsessed nerd, instead like a passionate high schooler. I am never going to be a high schooler again; and frankly, I do not want to rush my time as a kid (ew do not use that word Ryan it is for small people). I want to be sure that I do not get ahead of myself, and that I do not jump to a new chapter of my life before ensuring that the current one is completed with a perfect conclusion.

Senior year has gone by so incredibly quick, and with a blink of an eye I will be in my dorm room setting up my string of pictures and hanging my La La Land movie poster. And because of this, I have challenged myself to stay involved, to stay present, and to make the most of each and every moment because once I close this book it is closed for good.

My school's basketball team just recently made it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999. I am not the biggest basketball (okay or sports in general) person on the planet, but I am for sure going to be in attendance! Why? Because I just do not want to miss anything. I have learned a lot while applying for scholarships, meeting people, and mapping out my future. However, the most significant piece of advise I have garnered is this- do not let anything pass you up. Take every opportunity that you are presented, and make each new moment the most excited one yet.

Today is a day that will never come again, and tomorrow is for you to tie up all of the loose ends. The moral of this possibly incoherent article is basic. Life is full of opportunities, take them all.