Some of my best and most cherished memories are from the end of my senior year of high school. You might not realize it now, but these are the days that you will miss more than anything when you are sitting in your college dorm room for the first time. College is incredible, but cherish the now, as these memories will stick with you. Here are a few things to keep in mind as your high-school days come to a close.
1. Stop stressing about school work.
Don't get me wrong, schoolwork is important, but grades will never matter less than they do in the last few months of high school. You've worked hard for four years and are probably already into college, so enjoy these last few months. I can't remember a single test or quiz I took at the end of senior year, but what I can remember are the long nights I spent with friends (especially on school nights, because when else have you been able to hang out with friends on school nights?) and the endless memories I made with them.
2. Cherish your family.
You might want to spend all of your last few months with friends, and that is completely understandable. However, as a college freshman, there is nothing I miss more than sitting down at the dinner table with my family after a long day, going shopping with my mom, chatting with my dad over breakfast, and going on froyo runs with my little brother. You won't realize how amazing your family is until you're left without them, so make some time for them now.
3. Do crazy, spontaneous things.
My best memories are from hanging out on the beach late at night with my best friends, driving around in the middle of the night singing way too loudly, navigating around without maps, and spending nights letting whatever was going to happen just happen. Now is the best time to be carefree, when college is already decided on and schoolwork is at a minimum. Get out of your comfort zone and have some fun.
4. Don't be scared for college.
Whether you're attending your dream school or somewhere completely unexpected, stop worrying. College is all about the people who surround you, the effort you put into your academics, and the positive attitude that you have, not the name on the bumper sticker that you put on your car. Once you get to college, you'll realize that the decision didn't need to be all that stressful; trust me. College is what you make of it, no matter where you go. You are going where you are meant to be, and you are more than prepared.
5. Take lots of pictures.
The best thing in the world is looking at the wall above your bed in your dorm room and seeing photos from prom, senior cruise, graduation, and the best summer of your life. The memories that these photos capture will help you remember these amazing times, especially when you're stressing out about a lab report in college. Photos are worth the extra effort.
6. Make a list of your defining qualities and morals.
The beginning of college is hectic, and in the midst of tons of different people with different personality types and different morals, it's super easy to forget who you are and what you stand for. Write these things down before the craziness of college begins so that you can read it over periodically when you get to college. This will help you keep who you truly are in mind.
7. Say "yes" a lot.
Go to events with people from your class whom you don't know. Go out with your parents when they invite you. Chat with a future college classmate on Facebook. Your adventure starts now and being too reserved about the opportunities you take advantage of will hinder your ability to grow.
These will be the days you remember. Make the most of them, look forward to college, and be carefree. Happy graduation!
