This time last year, I was in the same spot you are all in right now. I know the excitement you have for prom and graduation, and the fear and hesitation that comes with making college decisions and leaving behind the past 17 or 18 years of your lives. Whether you are already set on a college or career, or you are anxiously awaiting decisions, these next few months are certain to change your life immensely.

Remember that in less than a year's time, you will likely be in a new environment with people you've just recently met. While the thought of that may sound slightly frightening, it can be also be one of the greatest experiences of your life thus far. Be open to the idea that these people may be your future. While you should not forget about the friends you've made from elementary through high school, you should embrace the new atmosphere and different people.

While you are still home, spend your last few months as wisely as possible. Make plans with anyone you can, especially if you are going away from home. Don't overwork yourself over the summer, and make sure you give yourself enough time to mentally and physically prepare for a drastic lifestyle change. While this may not be your last summer with your friends, job opportunities, travel trips, and summer schoolwork can all interfere with having free time and happiness with your best friends.

Never take the little routine things you do for granted. Before you know it, your schedule will be greatly different, from the time you wake up to the moment you go to sleep. Appreciate every day that you get to talk to all of your friends in the school day, and enjoy every day you have an after school practice. Time is a completely different concept out of high school, and ensuring that you have enough of it is entirely important.

All in all, just be ready for change, and prepare to explore a different way of life. Enjoy every 6 A.M. wake up and embrace every long homework night. Make memories that you can carry with you after graduation, and make as many plans as you can. My biggest advice is to take pictures, a lot of them. Having a tangible memory can make going away much easier, and you won't regret the photographs that you can save forever. Just live in the moment, and trust yourself. This is just the beginning, so indulge in all of your happinesses, and make memories that will last forever.