First of all, let me say, congrats! You've made it through 13 years of school! The school year probably seemed to fly by, even though I know you had some moments when you felt like the school day was never going to end. Although most of you had senioritis, you've finished! Well almost — you still have the last day. The last day is a time where you can actually enjoy being with your friends and reflect on the last 13 years!
Take a breath and walk through the halls for the last time. In elementary school, you start off with your very own cubby, in middle and high school you've been upgraded to your own locker and now in college, you are in your own room! For the last day, try your very best to enjoy every second of the day. Thank your teachers and lunch ladies for a wonderful year. Also take some time to spend with your class — maybe it's being in a big circle at lunch and telling stories about what happened over the years or maybe it's trying to get everyone in your class to sign your yearbook. I will say though that the last day flies by fast, so get there early and leave later and appreciate all that you've learned at experienced over the years.
For the day of graduation, don't do anything stupid before that. We wanna make sure you still graduate. When I was graduating, I was on stage the whole time singing with the choir, representing student council and reading names. If you're on the stage during graduation, appreciate your peers and teachers on stage and talk to as many of them as you can because it might be the last time you ever talk to them. For the ones sitting in front of you, appreciate every one of them as well. Most of those kids out there you grew up with or did a school project with. Even if you have bad blood with some of them, be thankful for the lessons they have taught you and for the friendship you once had. For the students sitting down with most of the class, do the same thing. Appreciate everyone around you and be thankful for the experience.
After graduation comes summer, one of the most fun times of the year. Take this time to spend as much time with your friends as possible. After that summer, you all will be going to different places and making new friends. Maybe do an activity you never thought you would do or take a road trip. This is a time to finally relax and take some time for yourself as well. For seven to eight months you have been working so hard to impress colleges and your family and to prove to yourself that you're college ready. By this time, you've graduated, so even if you're doubting yourself, I'm telling you, you're college ready. Take some time for yourself and reflect on your accomplishments and how awesome you are.
Lastly, when the time for college comes, don't be scared. Every other freshman is having the same mixed feelings you have. When you move in, introduce yourself to everyone in your hall and I promise you, you will make friends. Also introduce yourself to all of your RAs. They will be an amazing help throughout the year, and if you're struggling with anything they will always help you. College is an exciting time but also remember to take some time to do your work (well) and study for exams, and actually read your textbooks! They can help you a lot more than you may think. Join new clubs you never thought you would, take a variety of classes (even if you already know your major) and have fun. Congrats class of 2016, what and amazing journey you have coming.
