To the Second Semester High School Senior,
Yes, you. The one falling asleep in the desk because you have already been accepted into your dream school. It’s OK, because that was me. Or you, the one not paying any attention to your AP Calc teacher because although it wasn’t your top choice, the best school in the state was far enough away from your parents for you to be excited about it.
As much as you may wish this time to fly by, please do not let it. I’m not much older, only a year, but the experiences that occur during your first semester of college cause you to gain a few more years in terms of experience. However, this is about you. This is about you enjoying your last semester of high school because I promise you it will never be the same after graduation. You will lose contact, friendships will be lost, but some will last long after your graduation from college.
Spring break will come, and then Easter break, and then AP exams, and then graduation, and you genuinely wonder where the time went. Don’t wish it by because it happens fast enough on its own. I’m not encouraging you to slack off, and your parents will most likely disagree, but grades aren’t the most important thing your last semester of high school. Your friends, the relationships, the football games, and the late nights are what is worth remembering. Life changes; it gets very different, very fast.
Yes, I was that college freshman that thought they had it all figured out; you’re probably the high school senior that thinks the same. But I’ve learned my knowledge does not even scratch the surface of what is out there, and news flash: neither does yours. But, this right now is the time of your life. Enjoy the hell out of it and make memories that you will never forget because this time really does fly by; it goes quicker and quicker. The earlier you learn to live in the moment and enjoy the time you have now, the more you will enjoy these next four years you are about to embark on, because I can guarantee you, they are the best times of your life.
Life is something that becomes so precious so quickly; I asked my friend the other day how her birthday was, and she just said it was just another day. Those are my dad’s words, and we are repeating them at 19 and 20. But why? Because life hits you, and it hits very fast, and I never believed my parents when those words were said, especially when I was in your shoes. They are right, more times than I may care to admit; about many things they hit the nail on the head. So my advice is to listen to them, spend time with them, and love your life now; don’t wish it away. Many moms and daughters aren’t typically very close, but for me, in college I realized my mom was a best friend that I had my entire life. Be who you are now, enjoy your remaining months at home, and study a little bit.
We are so excited for you to embark on this journey with us and to join our family, wherever that may be. Best of luck.
Love,
The Second Semester Freshman
