Dear High School Seniors,

The moment has finally arrived. You can basically hear the band playing Pomp and Circumstance and feel the diploma in your hands already. As of mid-August, you will officially be starting a new and exciting chapter of your life: Senior year of high school. You don't have to worry about taking another history class if you don't want to. Your stress level decreases now that the ACT is finally over. You have all the freedom to take those AP classes or to be involved in more extracurricular activities in your free time. You will dominate the fan section during those Friday night lights. You're finally at the top of the food chain.

I was just as excited as you were to begin this last year of high school. Just one more year, and freedom was at my fingertips. College was right around the corner, and I could not wait. I could pick whatever classes I wanted, major in anything, and do what I wanted without my parents constantly nagging me or hovering over my shoulder.

By the time senior year rolls around, you already have an idea of where you want to spend the next four years of your life, whether it's at a college, at a job, traveling, or joining the Military. It is great to be thinking of your future and having something to look forward to as motivation, but please do not wish for senior year to be over because you want to be in college or in the world doing something else. Everyone tells you, "high school is one of the best times of your life. It flies by, so savor every moment." Listen to them. They are 100 percent correct.

You will have your opportunity to venture out into the world as an adult. But for now, enjoy your last year of high school. It will not hit you until graduation, but this is your last year to create as many memories with your friends as you can.

Remember to take so many pictures that your camera runs out of storage. At Prom, football games, school events, and during class or lunch, spend that time taking pictures. Those frozen moments will last a lifetime. Memories fade, although you may think you'll remember everything that has happened. You'll be thankful to have those to look back on.

Branch out during this final year. Don't spend the last summer before college wishing you had hung out with those people earlier. You'll regret not knowing that girl/guy in your Spanish class as well as you want to. Get involved as much as you can. Join a club that you've always found interesting. Try out for the sports team that you've been scared to join. Be fearless and leave an impression. It's your last chance to really make a difference in your high school community.

Don't grow up too fast. You do not need to party and get drunk every weekend. You will have the rest of your life in college and in the adult world to experiment with drugs. Spend a weekend camping with friends, go to a drive-in movie, have a Disney movie marathon, or buy ice-cream. Once you turn eighteen, you are legally an adult, and things will change. Enjoy your youth.

Spend as much time with your family as you can. Once senior year ends and college creeps up, you become too busy. During senior year, call your grandma more. Go to a movie with your parents. Because when you leave for college or to start your future, your family could be five states away. You'll miss them dearly. Show them how much you love them and care about them. Tell them how much you appreciate their support and love while you're home. Goodbyes are hard, for you, your family, and your friends.

Defeat the inevitable Senioritis and know when enough is enough. Although first semester will end, second semester is still important. Grades are valuable if you want to graduate and get into your dream college. However, they are not worth destroying your mental health. If it comes down to either staying up until two in the morning to finish a Biology lab report or getting a good nights sleep, always put your mental health first. Know how to balance your schoolwork with your daily tasks.

Most importantly, have a fun year and make it the best one yet.

Best of luck,

A College Freshman