Congratulations to the fresh graduates! High school was brutal and most were ready to leave long before now. But don't be too excited because what you've heard is true, you are going to miss it.

I know this summer will probably consist of working and hanging out with friends for the majority, but don't forget what is coming around the corner. Move-in day will sneak up on you faster than you will expect! So make your checklist now, have an idea of all of the necessities that you will need while at your new living establishment; it's so much cheaper to buy things on sale and in bulk rather than at the last minute.

As all students are unique and several of your classmates will take a different path of life than you after this point, take a moment this summer to spend time with these friends that you have grown up with. You may say that you hate everyone you went to school with, that you're so ready to go off to college and leave life as you know it for the glorious dorm room calling your name.

But please, take a moment.

Do not take advantage of the memories that could be made during your last few months at home with your friends and family, because you will regret it when you're hours away at college and homesick. Do not take advantage of the simplicity of your life at this moment. But most importantly, do not take advantage of your family; you're their baby and soon you will be leaving their nest of protection to fly freely into open waters.

So if your mom holds you a few seconds longer as she hugs you before you leave for your friend's house one night, squeeze her back. Try to reconnect with your elementary and high school friends while you still have contact with them, before you both slowly forget about the young memories you share together. Set aside time for your loved ones; being a teenager is fun and now that you are a graduate you are about to have even more freedom, but use it wisely.

Please realize that after this summer everything will be different when you come home; the sights will seem out of place, the scents will no longer be familiar, the people will only be a familiar face, and you will no longer feel the connection that you feel now with your town or city. You will forget what it once felt like to call this place "home" because, by this time next year, you will have a different home, new friends, and a different mindset.

As these are all part of growing up and becoming a "grown up", please take the time this summer to enjoy your life as it is at this very moment, because you will never get this time back.

Sincerely,

Upcoming College Sophomore