You're ending your junior year, and about to begin the most exciting and stressful year of your life.

To the rising senior reading this,

Don't take senior year for granted. Senior year truly is stressful and the most exciting year of your life. You are going to experience so many changes, and discover so many new things. Trust me when I say that your friend group will change. Everyone will go their own separate ways. Don't let this get in the way of you succeeding this year.

This is your year, so take the time to focus on you. College will be the only thing on your mind, and it should be. Take your grades seriously, show up to class. I can't stress that enough. Senioritis is real, and it's a major temptation... Don't give in. I made that mistake, and it caused me to be a big ball of stress and anxiety.

Love your parents. They are going to be so excited for you and will be your biggest support system through this entire year. They will help guide you towards the right direction whether it be college, the military, or even getting a job straight out of high school.

What you need to remember is that they are secretly dreading the day you leave for college. You're their baby. You don't have to spend every minute you're awake with them, but make sure they are included in making memories throughout your senior year.

Thank your teachers. Without them, you wouldn't be where you are now. They make sure they go the extra mile to help you succeed in school, and believe it or not, they truly care about you.

They will also be some of your biggest supporters. They will also be willing to write recommendation letters and help you with anything you may need for college. Seeing you succeed in life and continue onto bigger and better things makes them ecstatic.

Like I said earlier, don't take anything for granted. This year will fly by faster than you could ever imagine. Take time to enjoy your last year in high school. Make new friends, go on adventures, take risks, because when high school is done and over with, you will truly cherish the memories.

Sincerely,

The girl who's in her last week of senior year.