Dear High School Seniors,

It's finally May, the month you've been waiting for since August. Your time in high school is coming to a close. Knowing that you are about to graduate is a really exciting feeling. You're either ready to get the heck out of there and move on to a new chapter, or you're sad because you're not ready to leave it behind, or you may be feeling a little mix of the two. Day by day it will become a little more surreal. In a few weeks, you will walk those halls one last time before you step onto that stage to get your hard earned diploma. You and your friends are about to head off to different colleges and meet new people. All the familiar faces that you see daily will missed, even if you think they won't. There are just a few things I want you guys to keep in mind as this time in your lives is coming to an end.

First off, college is not easy. There will be tons of ups, but there will also be plenty of downs. Just because you graduated in the top 20 of your class, I promise you will struggle. You will learn to study. You will also learn that even if you do study for hours on end, that doesn't exactly mean that it will pay off. Your hall mates will become your closest friends. You may be living in a shoe box using community bathrooms, but at least you're living with your friends. Make sure to find smart people. It sounds cliche and maybe a little dumb, but it will pay off studying with your own private tutor. Find a good place to study. This will most likely not be your room. Sitting at the desk next to your bed will be too tempting. You'll figure out what works best for you, but it'll take time. Just remember that college may not turn out how it looks in your head, and that's okay. The first semester will be rough, and thats also okay.

Don't forget about the people who matter. Your mom and dad are important. Do not let them think they aren't. Call them. Go home and spend time with them. Tell them you miss and love them frequently. If you're worried about losing your friends, because you're going to different colleges, that will only happen if you let it. Keep that group message that you've had for years. Text them and keep them updated on what's going on in your life, because they do miss you as much as you miss them. Keep up with old friends that are still in high school. It will be weird hearing about school and thinking about how it's still happening even when you're not there.

In these next few weeks you have left, I challenge you to go to every event there is at school. Hang out with your friends. Do things with your parents. Enjoy life and live it to the fullest. Make sure you talk to those people who you know you'll never see again. Remember that these last few weeks are what they'll remember of you. Tell your teachers what they mean to you. Make plans for the summer. It will be gone in the blink of an eye. Take in the rest of your time at home.

Don't be embarrassed about going home. Going home for the first time will be amazing. The food is even better than you remembered. You'll have to hit your favorite restaurant that is only at home at least 3 times in one weekend. You will probably have a break from doing your own laundry. You will be catered to, because you were missed so much. Spend time with your parents, even when your friends are home too. They missed you too. Take the time to relax and have a break from your hectic schedule. The parties will still be there when you go back to college.

Be yourself. I know a lot of people go into college thinking they can reinvent themselves. Why though? If you are completely true to who you are, you will be happy. Don't change who you are to make friends. Don't be someone you're not, because you're you for a reason.

Most of all, have fun. Living in a dorm is part of the experience. Being on your own for the first time will feel so weird at first, but like everything else, you'll get used to it. Don't let the stress get to you, even though inevitably it will, and trust me, there will be A LOT of it. Your first year will fly by, so enjoy being a freshman, because it only happens once. Join what interests you and go to as much stuff as you can. Disclaimer- there will be a lot of crying (happy and sad). It's okay to cry when your parents leave you and you say your goodbyes. It will be okay.

Sincerely,

Almost a Sophomore