Whether they are seniors in high school or college, upperclassmen saved our asses on a daily basis. We, as underclassmen, do not realize how much we love them and need them until May rolls around and they graduate. Older students are supposed to graduate and move on in their lives, but they still leave a hole in our hearts. So now is the time to thank them, we should thank them for all they have done for us and for not squeezing us in lockers (when they totally could have).

Dear seniors,

Thank you for being a role model to me even when you didn't know I was watching. You are someone that I look up to and admire. Thank you for being a mentor to me and for answering all of my stupid questions about college or my major. You have saved me from having to ask so many embarrassing questions in class. Thank you for all your advice too, whether I take it or not, I still value your opinion.

Thank you for taking care of me, both physically and mentally. You have been like the older sibling I wish I had. Thank you for listening to my dumb problems when you could have been doing a thousand other things. I always knew you were listening and that made me love you that much more. Thank you for not putting me down or making me feel small. You have encouraged me and inspired confidence in me. You saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. You have made me want to be a bigger and better person. I only hope that I can be as knowledgeable as you are.

Thank you for being the voice of reason when nothing seemed to get through to me. You were right, that would have been a terrible situation. Thank you for showing me the ropes and for always making time for me. You never had to do any of the things you did, but you did them anyways. You have always made me feel important and valued.

Thank you for valuing all of the underclassmen. We need seniors because without you we would be like helpless infants, making terrible choices with our lives. I can only image how it feels, to be moving on from a place you call home. I know I will do it one day too, when I'm a senior, but I'm much more prepared for it now that I've watched you.

Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of your life. You have been a major part of mine in ways you will never understand. I hope you don't get sad or angry with me if we lose touch, I'm only trying to give you space to spread your wings and fly. I hope you see that I'm trying to be like you to someone else, and I hope that when I'm a senior, some dumb underclassmen feels this way about me.

Most of all, thank you for not giving up. Many seniors get senioritis and lose touch with the underclassmen. Many seniors cut us off, but not you. You stayed, you kept your head in the game, when it was so easy for you to check out. I thank you for staying, you being in my life for just a little bit longer means the world to me. So thank you.

Love and HAGS,

You’re endearing underclassmen.