To The Girl Who Can't Wait To Move Away,

Take your time.

I know you're so excited. You have your whole life ahead of you. Every door that has been closed, every boy who has broke your heart, every friend that has changed... I know, you're just ready to get away from.

When you move away, for the first time, you're scared. You don't know what the future holds. Yet, that's the beauty of it.

My advice for the girl who is ready to get away... take a moment to look around you.

Look at your favorite high school teacher, do you see her smile? Do you see the way she so elegantly carries herself? You're going to miss that.

Look at your best friends.

When the window is down, and you're jamming out in the car. Look at them, and how happy that exact moment is. You're going to miss that.

Look at your mom.

The person you see every day, and every night. She continues to push you, and wants the best for you. Hold onto that moment when she says “I'll see you tomorrow". Hold onto her gentle embrace after a hard day. The way her perfume makes the entire house smell so good. You're going to miss that.

Look at your dad.

When he makes a stupid joke, make sure to laugh. When your car breaks down, and he has the answer... make sure to thank him. Youre going to miss that.

Look at your grandparents.

The way your grandfather looks at your grandmother. The way your grandma calls you just to check up on you. The way your grandfather begins every story with “Back in my day". The way your grandmother prints every school picture out. The way your grandfather gives you that 20 dollars, and all because he loves you that much. You're going to miss that.

Look at your hometown... when you pass your high school.

The place where you met some of the most important people in your life. Make sure to slow down, and smile. When you step on that football field... make sure you cheer your heart out. You're going to miss that.

Growing up comes so fast, and you won't even see it.

Take your time, because every moment is precious.