It’s only been three weeks of senior year, and the stress level is through the roof, as well as the emotional level, and lack of sleep. In a way though, that’s what makes senior year memorable. All that homework, studying for standardized tests, and applying to college, and it is still the year that the most fun and spontaneous memories are made. Through it all, remember to always cherish the people, laughs, good scores on tests, that winning goal, and everything else senior year brings. Here are 10 things to remember:

1. Do Your Homework

Yeah, homework sometimes sucks. Procrastinating is easy and sometimes an hour shopping online is so needed. However, senior year is crunch time. Stay organized, do the homework for every class, no matter how insufferable some may be, and put everything you have into it. I promise if you put your phone down and just do it, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’re able to get it done and move on. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Create Those Student/Teacher Friendships

There will always be those teachers that as hard as you try, you just don’t get along with. As long as you respect them, everything will be good. With the teachers you love, spend time with them. Go to their classroom just to drop by and ask how their week is. Ask them questions when you aren’t completely sure. Make those memories and formulate friendships before it’s too late. Make them want to remember you.

3. Be Apart of Something

My new favorite quote is, “being a part of something special, makes you special” from Glee because it is just so true. Whether it’s being on a sports team, taking part in a theatrical production, or lifting weights with a group of people, be a part of something. Take pictures for the yearbook if they’re lacking in numbers. Sign up for the fashion club because you love online shopping that much. Don’t leave high school not able to say you were a part of something special that made you feel special.

4. Take risks

Okay, don’t go do something dangerous, or risk getting in trouble, but put yourself out there. Sit with that group of people you’ve never really talked to at lunch, go to a football game even though it’s never really been your thing, make signs for all the sports teams. Don’t keep yourself comfortable; growth is not possible without feeling uncomfortable or awkward, and this is your year to grow.

5. Become Friends with as Many People as Possible

Say hi in the hall. Sit by that shy person in class and have a conversation with them. If you see someone having a bad day, tell them to keep their chin up, or make some kind gesture towards them. Finally tell that person you want to be friends with that you've had the biggest friend crush on them since sophomore year. You want to remember every person that had an impact on you in high school, so make your own impact.

6. Support Your School

There is always going to be that one basketball game with the buzzer beater that everyone talks about. There’s gonna be that district soccer game that we won in penalty kicks. The winning touchdown, scored by the freshman who everyone underestimated. Be apart of it! Go to all the games you can, go to the events you can. Cheer as loudly as the refs and your voice allow. Be proud of your school.

7. Be Happy

Smile smile smile. Laugh laugh laugh. Don’t let them small stuff get you down. You’re gonna fail a quiz. You will stumble over words while giving an oral presentation. Those mistakes aren’t what define you. Neither are the people you’ll lose, and trust me you will. Be happy, stay positive, and smile.

8. But Allow Yourself to be Emotional

That being said, let yourself cry. Allow yourself the opportunity to know what it is like to miss someone, or to realize that this is the end of a chapter in your life. Hug your best friend. Kiss your significant other. Thank your teachers, parents, and classmates for giving you an incredible high school experience. Cry if you need to, and don’t ever be ashamed of your tears.

9. Live in the Moment

Put your phone down! Save your texting and Facebook scrolling for later, when all homework is done ;). Be with your people. Live in your moments, because moments are fleeting and nothing, not even high school, lasts forever. There will always be time for Facebook and texting. On the contrary, take pictures of everything you do. Make memories.

10. Love, Love, Love

The Beatles were right. All you need is love. Love what you do with your time, love who you spend it with. Never throw away love for something or someone who is temporary. Love your friends, classmates, parents, and teachers. But more importantly, love yourself.