Dear Graduating Class of 2016,

Can you believe you're about to graduate high school? In this whirlwind of excitement and joy, take a deep breath and soak up your surroundings. You are closing the book on a huge chapter of your life. Your friendships and relationships will most likely never be the same again. You're going to go down very different paths, and you will always look forward to the next time you can go home and see your friends again. It's crazy to think that some of the people that you have spent nearly every single day with, you may never see again. Enjoy time with your family. You will cherish all the memories you make this coming summer. Don't wish away the days until you leave for college. Sure, you're so anxious to finally be free, but you're definitely going to miss the comfort and stability of your home when you leave. Work hard and save up some money this summer, but don't work all the time. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to spend time with your friends. It will be extremely hard to not see them for weeks or even months. Thank your teachers and counselors. They put in so much work to help you succeed, so cultivate a good bond with them. It will come in handy down the road, too. They'll always have your back. Don't stress out about your graduation party. I know you want it to be perfect, but save yourself some headaches and just let it be. It's all about spending time with your friends and family and taking a good look back at all of the great memories you've created. Finish the year strong, I know senioritis is kicking in pretty strong right now, but you will feel so relieved and happy when you get everything done. Be proud of all the hard work you've put in. When it comes closer to packing up to leave for school, realize you will not use about half of the stuff you're packing. Be smart about what you really need and bring more stuff there if you feel you need it. Lastly, have fun this summer because you are about to enter a very different time in your life. Everything is about to change-mostly for the better. Let go of any anxiety you have about starting college, because you will do just fine. Congratulations and good luck!

Love,

Someone Who's Been There