To my dear friends still dragging themselves through the craziest mosh pit that is high school,

First of all, I’m totally kidding. Although I wouldn’t want to relive high school, it was still an incredible four years in which I became who I am now. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing, even the really bad parts like taking AP European History to not even pass the test. To be honest, all of those rough spots turn into awesome stories later.

Second of all, I want to thank you all for being my friends. I know it might sound a little mushy to you, but think about the last time someone genuinely thanked you for being their friend. For some of you, that might have been a long time. Until now. Thank you.

I can’t even describe to you how much I underestimated having friends that are younger than me. I always admired my friends who were older, but I completely overlooked most of the people in the grades below me. I’m very thankful for choir that brought me some of my closest friends in high school in various grade levels, and, later, Younglife that showed me how little age or experience matters when following Jesus.

I can honestly say that each one of my friends still in high school has impacted my life in some shape or form. Some of you have changed me and motivated me musically. Without you, I wouldn’t have tried out for a POPS Solo Act, made Regionals and Allstate, or grown into the musician I am today. Some of you influenced me religiously. Without you, I wouldn’t know what a true walk in Christ looks like or how a person can compassionately show peace and love. Some of you showed me what kind of friendship I deserve. Without you, I wouldn’t know what types of new friendships to pursue, or what kind of friend I expect myself to be. Some of you showed me leadership. Without you, I wouldn’t know what kind of leader I want to be, or what kind of leader I would respond to. I could go on and on, but know this: the impact you have in high school still matters. Even the little things count.

Now that you know the significant impact you’ve had on me, I want to use this last bit to hopefully be able to impact you. For me, senior year was by far the best, but also by far the worst. For my friends who are now seniors, don’t be discouraged when things get hard. Because they will. If not academically, emotionally. Or vice versa. But don’t worry, the best times are right around the corner. And if those amazing memories that everyone talks about don’t come, stop waiting for them. Go out and make them for yourself. Ask your friends to spontaneously take a trip to Downtown Phoenix with you. They might surprise you with what they say, and if they don’t, just come visit me! I have a bunch of cool spots to show you. Don’t make everything about school. Yes, school is important and there is pressure to show off for colleges this year, but don’t get caught up in it all. If you waste your years away worrying about the future, you miss out on what’s happening now. After all, we aren’t promised another day, or even another second.

I wish you the best of luck in all of your endeavors with the rest of high school. Four years is just enough to have the time of your life if you let it. Get to know your teachers. Ask for help. Stay out way too late. Go to a lot of concerts (biased, I know). Do what you love and don’t stop. Love and appreciate your friends. Take every misstep as a learning experience. Be grateful for your triumphs and your trials. Visit Emma in college. Sorry, I had to sneak that one in there.

One last thing: I want to apologize in advance if I sometimes feel distant. After all, I am only 25 miles away! But in all seriousness, the distance is not meant to push you away. Sometimes I may not even realize that I’m doing it, but I have a feeling that I might feel distant to some of you because I felt that way last year from some of my friends who went off to college. What I learned from them is that college truly is a different world, no matter how close or how far you are from home. I may get caught up in it from time to time, and I hate to ask you this, but please let me. It’s the only way that I’ll learn, the only way I’ll make mistakes, and the only way you’ll get to hear hilarious “how-Emma-messed-up” stories when I see you again.

I love you guys a lot. Stick through it. It’s worth it.

Love, Emma

P.S. I wasn’t kidding about visiting me. My door is always open. Or, for those of you that can’t drive, FaceTime me guys it’s 2016!