Dear current high school seniors,

I know your days feel like they're dragging on forever. If you're anything like me, you had senioritis during your junior year. You're almost at the end, summer is quickly approaching. You're leaving the school you have known for the past four years. You will no longer walk the same halls, go to the same locker, and see all the familiar faces. Those four years flew by fast, right? It feels as if you just nervously entered a huge school, yesterday. Enjoy the time you have left in high school, you'll miss it. Trust me.

Stop saying "I can't wait to get out of here." Don't rush the time you have left there, appreciate every bit of high school. Soon you will be separated from all your best friends, who knows when you'll all be together again. Although you may have senioritis, don't forget to enjoy every minute of your senior year. Go to all the sports games, all the after school events, be part of the pep rally! It's your senior year, live it up, participate in everything you can.

Don't take small things for granted. Be prepared to spend at least $300 a semester on renting/buying textbooks. I suggest checking chegg.com for cheap textbooks. Eat as many home cooked meals before you leave. College food isn't the food they serve you at orientation, trust me. Go for a drive at night with your friends, blast the music sing along and just drive with no destination.

Talk to your fellow classmates you never had a bond with. The girl you always see sitting alone at lunch? Go sit with her, it's her senior year too, make it great for her. Keep in mind you will never see some of your classmates again, it's a bittersweet feeling.

Stay away from drama. It's your senior year, drama is overrated. You're all 18 now, you're an adult, act like one. Having drama your senior year is pointless and won't make your last year enjoyable. Be care free, don't gossip, and be nice to everyone. That girl you don't like? You'll never have to see her again once you graduate, be happy about that.

Put your phone away. I understand you want to keep memories, take a few pictures but then enjoy the moment. Live in the present, don't live your life through your phone because you want to keep the memory. Enjoy the company and places you experience. Your social media sites aren't going anywhere, they can wait. Your summer will fly by, before you know it you'll be moving into a dorm room.

Don't be scared. I understand change can be terrifying, I was in your shoes last year. College is an entirely new experience, make sure you are happy with the college you choose to go to. It's not the end of the world if you dislike your college the first semester. If you're not happy there, talk to your parents, transfer for the second semester or take the rest of the year off. You're not a failure if you need time to adjust, it's a big change from high school, your parents will understand. Your happiness and mental health come first, always. Your perfect school, and perfect friends are waiting for you, whenever you choose to go.

I know you're ready to get up and leave town. Take it easy, life moves way too fast. Enjoy the rest of your senior year, your class trip, your prom, and enjoy the high school level essays. Make your senior year, a year you will remember. Soon enough you'll be finishing your freshman year of college, wishing your high school friends a good time at prom, and a happy graduation.

Don't be quick to wish you were in college already; appreciate the small things you have being home and in high school. Cherish your last few months, you'll truly miss it at times.

Sincerely,

A former senior who has been in your shoes