As I've been scrolling through my social media the past couple of weeks I keep seeing all these "kids" I knew back in the day, who are now high school graduates. Not only does it blow my mind how quickly time passes, but it's made me think about when I was at that same place in my life. It was exactly this time four years ago that I was in your exact same shoes. Man, it's a wonderful feeling, isn't it? You're free. No more high school. That's a BIG deal! I just want to take a few minutes and tell you what I've learned these past four years that I hope can help you even in the tiniest way.

1. Leave the nasty past behind.

You are starting a new point in your life, and it is going to be nothing short of incredible. In spite of it being incredible, it's also going to seem terrible at times. You are going to go through trials you won't think you're ready for, as well as more stress than you thought humanly possible. That being said, don't let anyone or anything that doesn't help you to grow, follow you. Those high school relationships that have brought you turmoil in the past, will only continue to bring you just that, and your future has way too much at stake to keep dealing with the same old roller coaster ride. You truly are entering a whole new world, let yourself embrace the new.

2. Be open to change.

I've realized over these past couple of years that what my plan was when I graduated high school, is dramatically different than what it is today. It will take a lot of frustration and a lot of experimenting, but in the end, you will look back and see just how incredible it is that you've gotten to the place you're at, as I'm sure you already have at this point in life! Whatever you do, and however sure you are on what you want to be, don't be closed minded in your ways. There is so much (way too much) opportunity out there, and you're just going to miss out if you don't let yourself branch out every once in a while. I'm not saying go crazy and be completely irrational, but give yourself the space to breathe and just grow.

3. Don't be afraid to call home.

I got this sense of independence the day I moved out my parents house. For about a week I felt like I shouldn't call home because it would seem like a sign of weakness. I quickly realized that was crap and I needed my mom's help sometimes. Not only that, but the more open you are with your parents about what you're doing now that you're on your own, the more they will respect you because they will see you can and, you are in fact, making it. I'm almost 22-years-old and I still call my mom on a regular basis whether it be for quick questions about my medical insurance, or me just wanting to talk about my day. Loving your family does not make you any less of an adult. Honestly, I believe it makes you more of one.

4. Do not compare yourself to anyone else.

I mean this in every sense possible. Whether it be physically, mentally, emotionally, whatever. Just because your roommate seems to have her life together, doesn't mean you should feel bad if you don't. When all your friends are in relationships and you're chillin' with some Netflix and Ben and Jerry's, don't sit and wonder "why not me?" The plan for your life is not the same as anyone else's. Comparing your situation to another person's situation, does no good for you. Don't do it. Your time will come.

5. Don't let anyone tell you who you are or what you should do.

Whether you're going to college, learning a trade, traveling the world, or even taking some time off to figure out what it is you want to do, NEVER feel bad about that. You are the only one who can understand your own heart and your own passions. Do you need to figure out a way to support yourself? Yes. Does it have to be immediately? No. Does it have to be in a conventional way that your parents think you should? No. You are becoming an adult, so it's time you start viewing yourself as one in the most respectful kind of way. It may not be easy (I guarantee it won't be), and you may take some wrong turns, but that's just a part of your journey to discovering your calling in this life. Your happiness and feeling right about what it is you're doing, is SO important. Do what your gut tells you, because 99.9 percent of the time, you'll be glad that you did.

Take it from someone who's changed their major six times, transferred schools just to end up transferring back after one semester, and having thought every single semester that I couldn't handle what I was going through, if I can do it, so can you. No matter how many times you'll think you can't, you can. Life after high school is indescribable. It is everything you make it to be, so do everything in your power to make it nothing but awesome.