Dear Underclassman,

You don’t know me, but allow me to introduce myself. I’m the senior who is ready to graduate. I’m the senior who’s dreaming about that diploma. I’m the senior who’s searching for that motivation in a sea of procrastination. I’m the senior who’s beyond excited, yet terrified, for the next four years of my life. I’m the senior who is ready to move on.

But I’m the senior who’s also not ready to let go.

Transitioning from junior high to high school can be nerve-wracking. But I’m here to give you advice to make high school the best time of your life.

Get ready. Get pumped. The climb is about to start.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

You’ll meet so many people in high school. Take a second out of your day and smile to an unfamiliar face. Who knows? Maybe he or she may end up being your best friend someday. It’s okay to have your circle of close friends but never forget to make room for some new ones! I cannot tell you how many friendships I have built since my freshman year. It all started with a simple “hello.”

GET INVOLVED

Love to play run? Join the cross country team. Do you enjoy acting? Maybe you should consider auditioning for the play. Are you good at graphic design? You should be a part of the yearbook committee. There is a wide range of athletics, clubs, and extracurricular activities at your high school. You have your own unique and irreplaceable talent. Don’t let it go to waste! The best times I've had in high school were practicing with my track team, rehearsing lines with my cast members, and playing board games with my youth group.

LOVE CAN WAIT

Ah, yes. I remember feeling those butterflies in my stomach. You know what I’m talking about! Whenever that cute boy or girl smiles at you, you can’t help but blush and smile back. Young love is great, but never – and I repeat never – let a boy or girl take over your life. Yes, there will be heartbreaks. I’ve been through it, and it sucks. However, you are young and love can wait. High school is the time to find out who you are; not who you are meant to be with forever. Girls, remember that you are beautiful, and you are more than just a reflection in the mirror. Guys, respect girls. Open the door for them, compliment their hair, and pick up their book if they drop it. I promise you’ll find love, whether that is with a partner or within yourself, someday. But it all begins with patience.

GET ORGANIZED

Buy a planner. Create a calendar. Get organized one way or another. Life is about to get busy, and it’ll only keep getting busier. It is essential that you learn how to manage your time well. Juggling academics, athletics, activities, work, family, and friends can seem impossible. As a freshman, I had honor classes from 8-3:15, soccer practice from 4-6, then play rehearsal from 6-8. My life was (and still is) crazy. Start getting organized because it will make your life a thousand times easier.

MOST IMPORTANTLY – STAY POSITIVE

Breathe. Take one day at a time. There will be days when you just want to crawl in your bed and sleep forever. There are days when it seems like nothing is going right at all. No matter how hard it may be, you have to stay positive. How much time do we waste thinking about the past or worrying about the future? Live today. Wake up every morning and think about how you’re going to make it a great day. Go to bed every night and think about the blessings in your life. Do not let those bad days keep you from enjoying the good ones. The power of a smile begins with you.

I’m almost there. I am so close yet so far to the top of the mountain. My feet hurt, my back aches, and I’m ready to give up. But I have been climbing for four years, and I can’t stop now. I’m ready for this breathtaking view.

So, freshman, are you ready to climb this mountain?

Sincerely,

A senior