Although graduation still may seem a decade away, the reality is that it is quickly approaching. This time last year, I was anxiously waiting for the end of May to come. I was just sick of high school by that point. My diploma could not be in my hand fast enough.

Now that I am a freshman in college, I can say this: enjoy your time as a high school student while it lasts. Once it's over, it's over. There's no going back. The stretch of time from now and until graduation may seem dreadful. You've already been in high school for almost four years. You know all of the classrooms and teachers and classmates. It's all boring and filled with anticipation for the next step of your life. However, this is the time to enjoy it while it lasts.

High school is the time to hold onto your childhood while it's still there. Your parents are still under the same roof as you. They're there for when you slip up and make mistakes. Your teachers are preparing you for college and reminding you when the homework is due. They realize that you're not quite an adult yet, unlike professors.

Your classmates, who've you known since kindergarten, fill the familiar hallways with laughter and the usual gossip.

It won't be like that forever. And sure, maybe you're completely ready and excited for the next part of life. The part where you're sneaking cafeteria food into your dorm and studying all night for that exam you forgot about. The part where you are away from your parents and hometown. But just hold onto this part of your life while it's here.

Graduation will be here before you know it. Time is not slowing down. So soak it all up while you can. There are a few months left before you're not a high school student anymore. Kiss your parents.

Thank your teachers. Hang out with your peers. The time after high school will be amazing, difficult, confusing, and wonderful. But right now, it's comforting and familiar. That's a wonderful thing, too. So get excited about the future. Make plans and set goals, just be sure to enjoy your time now.