Dear High School Seniors,

With the second half of senior year just beginning, I am sure your “senioritis” has come into full swing and you are all ready to graduate. After being in school for around 12 years, you are probably sick of seeing the same people every day and you are more than ready to go to move on with your life. Though I cannot blame you for wanting senior year to be over, I think that you guys should slow down and take a deep breath.

Whether you would like to believe it or not, senior year is going to fly by in a heartbeat. Enjoy it while you can because college is very different than high school. Don’t get me wrong, I love college and I am glad that high school is a thing of the past but it is an adjustment and it’ll take some time getting used to. Even if you do not end up attending college, the real world is definitely a wake-up call that will also take some time getting used to.

As a freshman entering my second semester of college, I cannot help but look back on my high school days. Interestingly enough, the most prominent memories I have from high school are those from the second half of my senior year. From buying that perfect prom dress to wear on prom night to congratulating all of my peers on college decision day, senior year definitely had the best memories that have stuck with me even though my first semester of college and I am sure they will stick with me throughout my life.

At the moment, you guys are most probably anxiously waiting to hear back from colleges, or just counting down the days until you never have to set foot in your old high school ever again. However, the best advice I could give you is to take a step back and relax. Make sure that you are making the most out of your senior year and be making the memories that you’ll cherish forever in the upcoming months. Don’t let these moments go to waste and love every minute of it.

You should take the next few months to improve your high school experience in the ways that you see fit. Make sure you leave without any regrets or having to ask any “what ifs”. If there is somebody you have always wanted to befriend, talk to them. If you have a crush on somebody, let them know. If you want to raise your GPA, work hard and achieve that goal. If you are on bad terms with somebody, talk things out with them and try to be on good terms with them.

I know all of these things are easier said than done, but with hard work usually comes rewards and good karma. Before you know it, you will be accepting your diploma and moving on to the next stage in your life. Remember to embrace the change from one stage of your life to the next and celebrate all of your achievements as much as possible with your loved ones. Graduating high school is a huge accomplishment and is truly something worth celebrating.

So, as your high school experience rapidly comes to a close, remember to make the most of your senior year and do not let it slip away. Finish strong and make yourself proud of all that you have achieved. Good luck and congratulations on getting this far!

With Love,

A College Student