Tis the season of caps and gowns, speeches filled with advice for the future, parties and last gatherings with your classmates. Graduation season.

This year is the first year I won't be at my high school's graduation. I graduated last year, and every year before I was there to perform with the band. I'll be at next year's graduation because my little brother will be graduating (terrifying). Any other graduation I wouldn't care about, wouldn't even really think to go back to my high school for a graduation, except this year's.

This year, my not-so-little freshmen are now graduating seniors. They were freshman my sophomore year and from day one we had an undeniable connection. By the end of the year, there were already so many memories with two more full years ahead together. By the time my graduation day came last year, it was so hard to say goodbye and hand over the school to them.

Over the three years we shared, we laughed together, cried together, explored together, grew together. Yes, I may refer to them as babies, but they're more like my little siblings, some of my best friends. We learned so much from each other over 3 years and nothing will be able to match those memories we share.

Now they're grown up and graduating and taking that next step in their journey of life. They're all going to do amazing things and all going to amazing schools.

But before you graduate and leave and start doing amazing things, I'm gonna bug ya with some final advice, from your big sister who's already been through a year of college in the real world.

Enjoy every one of these last minutes together, as high school seniors, before the real world will come and slap you in the face. Many of you are leaving home and living away from your parents for the first time. No one looking over your shoulder anymore, making sure everything gets done. You really have to step up and make sure you do everything you can and make this world yours. I can't believe my first year is already done, life happens just too quickly. Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, take nothing for granted. Stay in touch with mom and dad and don't forget your friends back home. Embrace your new friends and school, but don't forget about home and where you came from. Enjoy every single minute of this last summer together, because there may not be another.

Congratulations to all those who have and will be graduating this year. Especially my freshmen. Love you guys.