Dear High Schoolers,

Don't rush.

Enjoy every moment you possibly can, and savor it. When I was a freshman I couldn't wait to be a sophomore, when I was a sophomore I couldn't wait to be a junior, when I was a junior I couldn't wait to be a senior. And, of course, when I was a senior I absolutely couldn't wait until I was in college. Diploma in hand, taking a swift bow and hearty farewell to my high school escapades in one final flourish.

Like I said, don't do that. Please.

As a sophomore in college, I can only tell you that I regret not cherishing my high school years more. Sure, there were moments I remember and smile about...but I spent more time pining away at what was to come than looking at was already happening in the moment. What's most special is oftentimes what is going on right in the present. You miss that if you're only looking ahead.

Participate in the moment, don't just be in it. Do your best in that one crappy class with the teacher who drones on in a monotone voice. Work through that difficult breakup. Realize those backstabbing friends will get you nowhere in life, and cut them out. Try to become a better conversationalist with your parents (like saying more than "good" when they ask you how your day was). Find your passions and don't be ashamed of your uniqueness.

When I was finally handed my diploma and the long-awaited moment had finally arrived, I honestly couldn't believe it. I had spent so long waiting for graduation that when it finally arrived it was surreal and other-worldly. Then it was done. Finished. I left my spaghetti dinner as that ever-anticipated graduate, and I felt kind of lost. Was this really what I had waited for? It wasn't the Chilton graduation ceremony from Gilmore Girls that I had dreamed of, it was quiet and fleeting.

So seniors, don't make the mistake I did of trying to barrel through my high school experience. Four years goes by alarmingly fast and they are times you can't take back. Thankfully, now I have a chance to start over in college. No, it's not the same, but that's okay because it's been amazing so far. There's always a chance for new beginnings.

I'm just trying to help you have more beginnings. I so, so wish I saw something like this when I was in high school, but I didn't. So why not try and do that for someone else? Even if just one person understood what I've been trying to say, that makes all the difference.

High school can be a beautiful, life-changing time. You just have to stop and open up your eyes to see it.

And I really hope that you do.

Sincerely,

The Girl Who Wished She Knew