Walking across that stage has been one thing we’ve looked forward and up to our entire lives. We’ve practiced at preschool graduation, but now it’s the real deal; we’re finally big kids. Once we step off that stage, with a diploma in hand, our high school career will be officially behind us. Not just high school, but all the school we’ve worked through since kindergarten. The place we’ve become been practically forced to eat, sleep, drink our whole lives will be in the rear view mirror. The place we’ve spent seven hours a day, maybe more, every day except weekends since starting at four or five years old. Some will say “not soon enough”, other will have regrets.

Maybe at this point, you’re thinking “I’m going to miss my friends” because fate so has it that your paths are leading in different, but equally promising ways. All I have to say is that yes, you are going to miss them; I know I’ll miss mine. But I know fate won’t keep us apart forever. No one said you have to say goodbye to your friends and never look back. Honestly, and I know it’s cheesy, it’ll be an “I’ll see you later” and then you’ll have plenty of time to think about where you’ll go out for lunch next time you see each other—because there will be a lot of catching up to do. Just because you’re parting ways doesn’t depreciate the times you’ve had together. If anything, it’ll make you more grateful for those fun, exciting, and even emotional times, and even more so for having your friends with you on your adventure so far.

Something else that I think we should all consider, is that we aren’t heading out into this world alone, even if we’re heading in a different direction than our friends. Out there, outside our homes and our schools, is a huge world, and we’re all going to meet new people in it—make new connections. By doing this, we won’t be replacing our old friends, but rather opening ourselves up to more because there’s room in our hearts for as many people as there are in the world. Also, just because we’re making new friends doesn’t make them better or worse; difference doesn’t necessitate a difference in value.

This will be a momentous step into your future, there is no time for regrets or should-haves or have-nots. Whether you’re college bound or career bound or wherever bound, don’t dwell on what hasn’t happened. Cherish what you’ve spent seventeen, eighteen, or nineteen years creating: you. Okay, sure not everything has been perfect, nothing is perfect, but you have grown. Embrace that, take this time to remember everything that has shaped you into the resilient graduate you’re about to be. Be happy for the good times, and let the bad times be bygones. At the end of the day, how big of a deal was it you missed that party and who really cares that you peed yourself in gym class in seventh grade. Much better, more important things have happened and will happen still. So, envision all the greatness in your future, and be just prepared to handle the not-so-great.