While, yes, I do complain about homework as much as any other student, there are some aspects of school that I’m really looking forward to. I’m excited to get back into a schedule and see my friends that I haven’t seen this summer. Every summer I say I’m going to get up early every day and make the most of each second, but that never happens. I try to schedule outings with friends, but I’m a horrible planner and organizer and so are most of my friends. My summer usually just consists of my seeing what I can do to pass the time— watch Netflix, go to the library, wait to hear back from any potential employer—until something I have to do comes up. I’m a person who needs to be held accountable to be productive, and for that reason, I’m glad to be headed back to school.

1. The Structure of Having a Schedule

I’m the type of person who needs structure to get a lot of stuff done. If I have a lot going on, I tend to use my time more efficiently; whereas if I have nothing but free time, I usually accomplish nothing. I love having somewhere to go every day and having a rhythm to get back into.

2. It’s Senior Year!

I’m entering my senior year—notoriously the best year of high school. Just look at Grease, Clueless, High School Musical 3, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Need I say more?

3. I’ll Be Driving Myself

This will be my first year of high school where I have a car, which is an absolute dream. I’m thrilled to start driving myself to school every morning. I love the alone time, and I’ll get to listen to whatever music I feel like. I won’t have to wait for my ride after school, and I enjoy driving, which means the perfect start to every day.

4. I Chose My Classes

While, sadly, I’m still required to take math this year, I also got to fill my schedule with classes I’m actually interested in taking. I’m a language nerd, so I’m stoked for AP Lit, AP Spanish, and journalism. I’m also taking a new course my school started offering this year called eschatology. It’s a course concerning “the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind.” So, a fun, light course to end my high school career.

5. Reuniting with Friends

I saved the best for last. I’ll get to reconnect with friends who’ve been away on mission trips, at camps, visiting family, on vacations, or have just been really busy. Everyone says these high school memories will be the ones I’ll look back on and cherish, so I’m set out to make them the best they can be. (I also have my heart set on an unforgettable Senior Ditch Day.)