As I begin my college transition in only a few short days, I reflect back on high school and everything that it taught me in four years. There were horrific days, but there were days that I don't think I could have been happier if I tried. I was taught so many things, most of which I don't care to remember. But some of the thing I learned were so important and I still carry many of these things with me today. Here are some things that I learned in my four years of high school:

1. Friends are so important.

This is a picture of my friends and I after we won the spirit stick at the winter pep rally. We won it because we were the loudest class out of all four grades. The friends in this picture are some of the greatest people I have ever met. I'm so thankful for the memories I share with each and every one of these amazing people.

2. Get involved.

Here is a picture of all of the seniors that were in SODA, which stands for Student Organization for Developing Attitudes. This was a club that I was in for two years, and I had the honor to serve as a captain for my second year. I had so many awesome experiences in this club. Getting involved and doing the most that you can is so important.

3. You are never too cool for a high school dance.

I went to all four homecoming dances and both of my proms. I am a firm believer in the fact that you should go to every dance possible. Those nights were some of the best nights of my life.

4. Life should never be taken for granted; it's too short.

With under two months until graduation, a friend of mine passed away in a fatal car accident. With all of the hurt I was feeling, this opened my eyes to so much. Life is so short and so fragile and it never should be taken for granted. Hug everyone you know, because you truly don't know when you will see them last.

5. Be good to your teachers.

You might not know it then, but some of your teachers will become your biggest supporters and your rock on your hard days. I couldn't tell you how many times I needed someone to listen to me, and because I was good to my teachers, they listened.

6. Find something you love, and stick with it.

For me, I found yearbook. I started taking the yearbook class my sophomore year, and during my senior year I was the Editor-in-Chief. Whether it be publications, show choir, sports or anything else, it is so important to find something you love and stick with it.

7. Enjoy it while you can, because graduation comes so fast.

Graduation was a little over three months ago, and it feels like it was just yesterday. High school does the same thing to you. At times, you will feel like it is never going to end. But the truth is, it does. And it happens a whole lot faster than you want it too.