The graduating seniors have walked in their caps and gowns, which officially makes you a senior now. This is the year you have been waiting for since middle school, your last year of grade school. You are the top dog now. This is a year like no other, it is one of the most important years of your life. You will decide your future plans in this year.

When I was a senior in high school, I wish someone had told me what to expect and what to remember. Here is what I would tell my 18-year-old self.

Please don't skip any class events, you are going to wish you had gone. Whether it is a field trip or a bonfire, just go. You will probably never be in one place with all of these people again. Take it in, enjoy it. Before too long, your life will be full of responsibilities and stress. You won't be able to spend every weekend just hanging out.

Do not get involved in any drama whatsoever. It is not worth it. You will never remember what it was over, just that it was an unnecessary part of your senior year. Be the grown-up you think you are and just ignore it, you will be happy you did. This petty stuff is not worth your last year of high school. Friendships shouldn't be broken up in your senior year.

Try not to take your parents for granted. Next year you might be across the country from them, only seeing them for holidays. Yes, they will get on your nerves, but one day, very soon, you are going to wish you had them with you to get on your nerves. They really do know what they are talking about, so I would take their advice. This is just as big of year for them as it is for you. Let them embarrass you a time or two.

Get used to the pictures. It is a monumental year, possibly the year you peak. You are going to want to have pictures to remember it. You will be so tired of pictures after graduation, you may never want to see another camera again. Just stand there and smile. You don't know if you will ever be able to take pictures with these people again.

Participate in every tradition at your high school. They are traditions for a reason. They might sound lame, but do them. You will never forget the memories of them. Get all of your friends to do them with you and make the most of them. It is the last time you can participate in them.

Stop and take it all in at graduation. This will be the last time you see some of these people. Look around at the faces who have been with you since kindergarten. Look into the crowd and find your support system. You will treasure this memory for years to come. It will fly by you, if you let it.

Have the time of your life at grad week. Celebrate this occasion. You are about to part ways with your friends in August. Don't go through the motions, actually live it. This is your week, so make it what you want it to be. There is no "right" way to enjoy it.

You are about to embark on the craziest, most unforgettable year of your life. Enjoy every minute of it. Take pictures. Make memories. Laugh A LOT. Have fun.