As graduation draws nearer and nearer, things seem to be moving at hyper-speed. It seems like just yesterday you were heading into your senior year, getting excited for all that comes with being a senior: senior nights, prom, senior skip day, etc. There have been a lot of ups and downs. You've seemed to be on some whacked out emotional roller coaster full of some of the strangest turns that you just didn't see coming. But, all of that is behind you now, and it's time to start thinking about the rest of your life (as if you haven't been doing that all year thanks to everyone constantly asking about what next year is going to look like for you).
The big day in May/June symbolizes a lot. For some of you, it can't come soon enough. You are so done with all of these faces that you've had to deal with for four years and you're ready for something new. All of your work is just tedious to you at this point and you are ready to move on to bigger and better things. Some of you are trying to slam on the breaks and stop time from going so quickly. You may not be sure what to do with the rest of your life or maybe you don't feel ready to leave your hometown for one reason or another.
Change can be scary, and you just want time to slow down so you can process everything that's going on. Others of you might feel a combination of these two. Some days, you get so frustrated and fed up that you just scream in your car about how done you are with everything. Then, other days, you look at the friends around you and are overcome with this wave of nostalgia, and you realize that you're really going to miss this part of high school.
No matter where you fall in this wide spectrum of emotions, it's okay. All of these emotions are normal. People will often try to tell you how to feel, and that's bogus. For some people, graduating is a huge deal, but for others, it's not really that big of a deal. It all depends on the person. If you're having a really hard time with the transition, it's okay. Talk to someone and try to get your feelings out. Sometimes just saying some of your fears or anxieties help you to overcome them.
As the final stresses of high school start piling up, remember to breathe. Yes, I know you were mentally done months ago, but you still have to push through and get it done. Do those final projects. Take those AP tests and do the best you can. Turn in all of those scholarships applications. Rock out those finals and finish strong.
Your future is coming fast, but the time isn't completely up yet. Regardless of if you're trying to run out of the building as fast as you can or if you want to stay for just a little bit longer, it's important to try to take some time with the people who mean the most. Hug your friends, go to your favorite restaurant in town, tell your teachers "thank you," and just soak it all up.
So, no matter what graduation means to you, enjoy your last month of high school and all that comes with it. You're almost there Class of 2017, congratulations!
