As the new year dawns on us and reminisce, leaving 2017 behind as just another stop on the journey of our lives, I can't help but feel nostalgic. For me, and for several others that are 17 or 18-year-old high school seniors, 2018 is going to be, possibly, the most important year of our lives thus far. High school ends in a matter of months. That means packing our bags and starting our own adventures, whether it be college, a gap year, a job or any path we choose. We've been told so many times that we must leave the nest that our parents have provided us at some point in our lives, and that moment is approaching faster than I could ever imagine.

Because of this, I've created some resolutions for myself to help myself navigate this extremely important year. These aren't those resolutions that you know you won't keep up but make anyway. The following statements are important to me and should be important to all high school seniors as we start this exciting chapter in our lives.

In 2018, I want to spend as much time as possible with the people who have been there for me until now. I'm not going to be able to see my family every single day after I leave for college, which is something that breaks my heart because I've taken it for granted. Because of this, 2018 is going to be mainly focused on strengthening the relationships I have established. I never want to look back on these days in the future and regret the fact that I didn't spend as much time with my family as I should have.

In 2018, I will give myself the time and rest that I deserve. The past few years of my life have been dedicated towards my academics: my grades, my standardized test scores, how to get into college. Now that I'm done applying to college, and there's nothing for me to do but wait for decisions, I'm going to relax for a little bit before life picks up again in the fall. This means dedicating more time to my hobbies, spending time with my friends and finally getting enough sleep. Having all of this free time is a new feeling, but I think it's one that I'll come to enjoy.

In 2018, I am going to be proud of myself, no matter what. I've given everything my all for the past few years. There have been the times when faced failure, but there have also been the times when I accomplished great things. Through it all, I know that I have put passion into everything I've done. No matter what college I end up going to, what experiences I face or what path I take, I am going to be proud of myself. Never lose faith in who you are, because self-confidence is something that everyone deserves to have.

And finally, in 2018, I am going to stay positive and cultivate happiness. Because if there's anything I have control over in my life right now, it's how much I chose to love it.

Good luck in 2018, and have a great year!