Growing up is something we have all wanted to do at one point in our lives. We have all dreamed of growing up so we could do what we want. We wanted to grow up to be able to stay out as much as we want, stay up late, not have to worry about people telling us what to do and when to do it, etc. There is something we didn't know about growing up; we didn't know that it would be so hard. We had no idea that it would be hard growing up and things changing. We all wanted to grow up so badly that we didn't think about our life happening so fast and things changing all around us. We didn't think that growing up meant that things change drastically, well at least I didn't.

I didn't realize that high school would be over in a blink of an eye. I didn't realize I would be saying goodbye to some really amazing classmates and friends. I didn't realize that I would be losing some really amazing classmates and friends. I didn't realize that I would be saying goodbye to most of the people I have seen my whole life, when I grew up. I didn't realize that I would be saying goodbye to my family for awhile that I have seen almost everyday of my life. I didn't realize it would be this difficult growing up, but it is. I have always wanted to grow up and be independent. Never did I realize what all I would be missing once I grew up.

You are going to miss your family. You are gonna miss those Friday night lights with all of your friends together. You are going to miss learning how to drive for the first time, in a hometown that you will miss. You are going to miss everything. You do gain independence in a way, but you are going to lose and miss a lot when you grow up. It's hard, but it's a part of life. We all have to grow up sometime, but my advice is to make memories that you can hold onto forever. Go to that football game, go to that concert, spend that extra time with your family; because in the end, we all grow up and it's hard but cherish your memories. Take time to appreciate things in life and don't rush growing up because if you do, you miss the important parts of life, and growing up.