Dear Brother,
As your summer vacation is wrapping up and your senior year of high school is approaching, I decided to share some advice. And no, I don't care if you want it or not — you are getting it. Senior year is monumental. It is a milestone and full of great experiences and memories that you will cherish.
With that being said, here is my unsolicited advice:
1. Get your college apps done early:
Trust me on this one. Finishing your college applications as soon as possible helps relieve stress, gets Dad off your bac, and lets you actually take the time to enjoy the first quarter of your senior year. I had mine done by October and that definitely impacted how my year went. I had friends who did not finish theirs until February, and they were stressed and busy, which led to them missing out on some fun things.
2. If you don't get into a school, don't sweat it:
It is okay to not get accepted into all of the schools you apply to. That is just the way the cookie crumbles, and honestly, the school should be bummed out because they are missing out on a great addition to their student population.
3. Go to every event you can:
Go to the football games, the plays, the concerts, the bonfires, anything. Go to them. You only have a year left with your high school friends within a five- or 10-minute drive and activities that are either free or relatively cheap. I went to almost every game and activity the high school offered my senior year, and I am so glad I did. It gave me more opportunities to spend time with my friends and classmates, as well as truly appreciate my high school experience.
4. Work hard:
Do not slack off. Seriously. You are still a student and have grades to maintain. Colleges will often look at your second semester grades, and if they drop significantly, you might be saying goodbye to your admission ticket. So, keep working hard and get good grades.
5. Have fun:
I know this probably contradicts number four, but the most important thing to remember as you go into your senior year is to have fun. Enjoy the time you have left in high school. Enjoy the time you have left with your friends. Enjoy the time you have left with meals that do not come from a dining hall. Take the time to enjoy and reflect on the time you have spent in high school. I guarantee you will have a new appreciation for your experiences.
As hard as it is for me to fathom that you are a senior in high school, I am still so proud of everything you have accomplished. I am so excited to watch you complete your high school career and do big things in the world. But, like I have said, before you leave high school behind, remember to cherish the moments, work hard and have fun. You are going places, kid. Love you lots.
