Spring time is the most hectic time of the year for me; the last two months after spring break seem to creep up on us all pretty fast, but it also seems to linger a little too long. It brings too many tests crammed into an insanely small amount of time before finals turn up, and much-anticipated summer. As I think about the next two months, I start to reflect and think about where I was a year ago. When I do, I realized that no matter how crazy this time of the year is, it might just be the most important, especially if you are a senior in high school.

This is the time when you really get to say your goodbyes to all of the things you have participated in high school. Sports banquets might have happened earlier in the year, but the end of the spring seasons bring about the goodbyes to the sports you have played for numerous years. The friendships and memories you have made with all your teammates will soon be something you talk about now that you actually have some free time in your life. Things you have been doing for the past four years now has come to an end and finish a chapter in your life.

Whether you want to admit it or not, prom is a very important event to go to in high school. Please go to it no matter how overrated you may think it is. I know way too many people who regret not going. I believe it’s sort of a rite of passage, you know? Getting your pictures taken, riding in a limo to wherever it is held, getting all done up in a gorgeous gown with beautiful hair and makeup, and having a great time with your best friends the whole time makes it completely worth it.

Make sure to hang out with your parents and friends while they are still there. For some of y’all, you might be going 20 minutes down the road for college, still living at home, or going out of state or across the country, but either way, after you leave there is a chance you might not see some of those people for a really long time. Go to that movie with your sister, sleepover with your best friends, take your dogs to the park, and most importantly hang out with your parents and family, because they will miss you so much and you will miss them too.

You need to remember to love where you are from. You might be completely ready to move out and be on your own, but you will get homesick (believe me, it’s a real struggle) and miss everything about your home. Do touristy things and go and check out your favorite local places, spend time exploring and find new places to come back and visit when you are home.

Most importantly, this is a time that you need to cherish what you have right at that moment. I know that it is a hard thing to do when you have such a big future ahead of you next fall, but stop and smell the roses every once in a while before this time passes you by.