Believe it or not, some people actually look forward to school. And when I say school, I don’t just mean class. When I think about school, there are so many more aspects than just that history class you are dreading. School is a chance to see your friends, attend sporting events or even go to the beach depending on where you live. (And yes, who would have thought about associating school with the beach?)
Whether you are in high school, a freshman or senior in college or anything in between, we all face similar tragedies when saying goodbye to another year.
To a senior in high school:
I promise right now it might seem like the end of the world, leaving all your friends, family and everything you know, but I promise college isn’t as bad as your teachers make it seem. Even if you aren’t necessarily “leaving” for school, it’s a whole new world. Yes, it will be more work, but there will be time to do things you enjoy. I know some schools don't allow you to leave during lunch or free periods, but college is completely different. If you are anything like me, then you will love the freedom, the independence and the ability to live on your own. So while you are getting ready to graduate in the next coming weeks, reminisce on the old, amazing memories, but don’t let that occupy your entire mind. For some of y’all, college will be the best four years of your life. The friend group you clung to your whole four years will begin to separate, but you will still talk to a select few. Don’t let this impair your idea of college, you will find new friends. College will change you. Some people will lose themselves, but I challenge you to find yourself. Discover yourself in a crowd of thousands. You will go to parties with people you’ve never met, and they might end up in your English 101 class, who knows. The joy of going to a new school creates endless possibilities. Kill it your freshman year, I believe in you.
To a freshman, sophomore or junior in college:
As your last few weeks are wrapping up, you begin to feel the slight depression of knowing that you won’t be with your friends all summer. Whether they live in your state or nine hours away, most people move home for the summer. All those crazy midnight memories will be paused for the next three months. You won't be able to walk to your friend’s dorm / house at midnight to tell them about some guy or ask for help in class. Those late night trips will turn into texts, which will eventually fade over summer. But by the time you make your way back after summer break, it will be like nothing has changed. You will click that play button, and before you know it, another year will be in the books. Each year gets better and better and you think to yourself, “This has been the best year, hands down.” Every year seems like the best, until the next one. Whether you have one, two or three years left of school, enjoy it and embrace every second of it. During class, you can’t wait for summer. During summer, you can’t wait to be back at school. It's a cycle that occurs in everyone's mind. Kill those dreadful exams in the next couple of weeks, and then you've got the whole summer and its endless possibilities. Take a road trip. Spend a day at the beach. Whatever it is, enjoy it. You'll be back before you know it.
To a senior in college:
It might have seemed impossible at times. I’m sure you considered dropping out to become a stripper -- they make great money and why not? You might have even looked up “easiest college degree” or “jobs where I don’t need a college degree.” But you pushed through, and you made it. After four long, “endless” years of painful papers and presentations, you made it. You're probably stressing out about your finals, looking for summer internships, or just trying to figure out what you will be doing next year. After about 19 years of school, you might be continuing on to graduate school or starting a life in the real world. Before you leave, just remember all the memories. Think about all the Friday night frat parties. Laugh about those insane spring breaks. Fix all those broken relationships, and end your last college semester on a positive note. You've become an adult, even if you're hardly-functioning in the middle of everything going on right now. I might know you or I might not, but I know that you will do incredible things. To my amazing senior friends, I am so proud of you. You are an inspiration and role model to people like me (a sister, a little and a friend). I can't wait to see the amazing opportunities you will encounter. Good luck, and I will always be here if you need me. You've found yourself in college, now go find yourself out in the real world. You've got this.
