Dear Seniors,

Welcome to the quickest year of your life! When people say time flies, they mean it. Before you know it you’ll be in your cap and gown anxiously waiting for your name to be called so you can walk across the stage (& probably be praying that you don’t trip).

Right now I’m sure you have all the countdowns on your phone going. Prom, senior trip and the grand finale- graduation. You’ll probably be too caught up in the hype to step back and appreciate all the people around you. The teachers, coaches, and friends that have helped mold you into the person you are now. You’ll be so worried about finishing those scholarships, finding the perfect outfits for the senior trip and the perfect dress to stop and say a simple thank you to all of the people who will make those special things happen for you. So, take a minute to say thanks, and to form relationships with people, trust me they will stick with you forever.

Some advice from personal experiences… GO TO DISNEY WORLD and have a blast with your classmates, even if you don’t talk to half of them. I promise you that it is worth it. While you’re there try to hang out with different groups and stay off your phone (unless you’re taking pictures). Just pick a locker and keep all of your personal items in and enjoy the sun. Those days fly by, and you’ll want to experience them to the fullest. Also, get fast passes for the big roller coasters because waiting in lines kind of really suck. Make a reservation for a fancy dinner one night and DO NOT forget your sunscreen!!! My advice for hoco/prom is to find your best group of friends and just live the night up with them. Nine times out of ten you will have a much better time dancing the night away with your gal pals. Do not let someone make you feel like you are not beautiful because YOU ARE (and if you are looking for some gorgeous cheap dresses check out Promgirl.com). Please don’t ruin your body and lay in the tanning bed for weeks, your body is beautiful and if you have tan lines from athletic events, embrace them!! Nobody pays attention to those, anyways. But everyone pays attention to spray tans… if you get one try to not go too dark, especially the day before. I find that tanning lotion from CVS works wonders and if applied correctly it doesn’t show streaks.

Now it's graduation time, be ready to say goodbye to everything. The late night bus rides, rumors, dances, drama, teachers, stress, and school lunches. Remember to decorate your cap and participate in all of the last week's events. They may seem silly, but they’re a lot of fun. Remember to smile while getting your diploma and to shake all of the hands when you walk off of the stage. It’s okay to cry while listening to the speeches and be sad after its all said and done with, but remember you have something greater happening and no matter what direction life takes you, you will always have the memories. So live up your last year, let the drama go (it won’t matter after you graduate) and make it the best year of your life!

With love.