Dear Future Senior,
As the school year comes to an end, the only thing you can think about is senior year. Isn't it crazy to think that in just a few months it'll be your last first day of high school? The transition from junior year to senior year is a big one. This is the beginning of the end of your high school career.
During the summer leading into senior year have fun, but think about college too. The college search is stressful, but it doesn't have to be that stressful. Spend a little time exploring different colleges and universities to see what majors and programs they offer. Go on college visits; not only do they make great road-trips and mini vacations, but they usually give you free stuff too. Write down what you liked and didn't like about the school and giving a rating of one to 10. This will make it easy to compare all the different schools once the time comes. Most college applications require teacher recommendation letters, so ask a few of your favorite teachers to write one for you over the summer. Come fall, you'll be thanking yourself while everyone else is having a midlife crisis over college applications.
If you don't already, get a job. Whether it's at McDonald's, the local grocery store, or the car wash, the paycheck will be nice. How else are you suppose to afford weekly Chipotle and daily Dunkin' Donuts? Chances are you won't, but at least attempt to save some money. College is still a year away, however, a couple hundred in your savings won't hurt.
The sooner you get your senior portraits done, the better. It saves you a lot of money, you won't be on a time crunch, and your parents won't nag you about it. Bring a traditional outfit, a casual one, and a unique one. If you're iffy on an outfit, bring it to the shoot anyways. It's always better to have too many outfits than not enough.
Most importantly, hang out with your friends. Netflix will always be there so: go to the party, go out to eat with your family, go to the bonfire, go to the beach, go to the movies, go to the sleepover. Be spontaneous and be young. Make sure to take photos, both silly and Instagram-worthy, of you and your friends. You'll be happy you did.
Senior year is without a doubt the best year of high school. Here are some quick last pointers: participate in spirit weeks, you are not too cool for school dances, don't create a countdown to graduation or college until the second semester, and senioritis is very real.
So here's to a great senior year!
