Going into my senior year, I couldn’t wait to graduate. It was all I could think about. I counted down until the day I could walk across that stage and never look back. But what I didn’t realize is how much I would miss it. How much I would miss being with my best friends every day. How much I would miss knowing everyone around me. How much I would miss playing the sport I love.

I still cannot believe how quickly time flies. One day you are 100 days from graduation and the next it’s the day of. I know you all are so excited and cannot wait to graduate. I know you are counting down the days too. But take a step back and realize everything you are going to miss, because you will. No matter how much you tell yourself you can’t wait to leave and get away, you will miss parts of high school.

Going into your last semester of high school you really need to start cherishing the things that you normally wouldn’t. Walking down the hallway with your friends, lunch table conversations, talking to your favorite teacher about your day, school dances, doing nothing somedays in your classes, school sports, and most importantly, seeing your friends every day. It’s the small things that you’ll miss.

I know at this point all you keep telling yourselves just one more semester and I am gone. One more semester of high school. But this last semester will fly by faster than you think. In a year from now all you will be able to think is where did the time go.

So seniors, keep counting down those days until graduation because there is no better feeling than saying “I’m done” and being able to move on to the next chapter in your life. Graduation is an exciting and fun time. But don’t forget to make the most of this next semester. Because that day you walk across the stage, you’ll never see half of those people ever again. The people you saw every day of your life. Sure you will keep some friends from high school, but most you won’t.

High school can be some of the best and the worst years of your life. Personally, senior year is the best year. All of your lasts happen and some of the most exciting things take place; graduation, senior prom, getting accepted into college, last football game, and so many amazing memories with your best friends.

Keep counting those days until graduation but don’t forget to cherish it. You are ALMOST there. Just a few more months. You’ve made it this long, you can do it.