Dear Class of 2018,

Congratulations! You’ve (almost) made it. I know this sounds super cheesy, but the day has come that you never thought would. Your senior year is nearly over and it is going to end faster than you’ll believe.

Before you know it, it’ll be your last sports event, last homeroom, last prom, your last day of high school. As you’ll soon learn, everything you do this year becomes a last. I’m writing this letter to you to offer words of advice.

I know you’ve probably heard some of this advice a million times before, but please really take it to heart this time.

1. Go to everything!

Don’t think you’re “too cool” for the school events. You're not. And believe me, you’ll miss them after you leave.

2. Try something new.

Don’t be afraid to try a new sport, club, or activity senior year. It is never too late.

3. Respect the underclassmen.

They look up to you, so set a good example for them. After all, you were in their exact place just a short time ago and you're about to be right back there again.

4. Make new friends.

Don’t be afraid to branch out your senior year. Some of my best friends I didn’t even talk to before that time.

5. Don’t stress over the little things.

I was someone who made a really big deal over things that really didn’t matter and it wasn’t worth it. Let stuff go, and just try to enjoy it all.

6. Don’t push everything off until the last minute!

Try not to procrastinate everything, especially things related to college.

7. Say yes.

If someone offers you to hang out or try something new, take them up on the offer. A year from now, the same opportunity won’t be possible.

8. Thank everyone.

Your teachers, friends, and family. You wouldn’t be here without them.

9. Enjoy the little things.

Everything changes in a year, so really try to appreciate everything.

10. Have no regrets.

Everything happens for a reason. Do everything you can to make it the best year ever and try not to dwell on things that didn’t go as well as you hoped.

My last piece of advice to you is this: Don’t blink. Don’t take a single moment for granted, because you are going to want to remember it all.

Sincerely,

A Member of the Class of 2017