Your high school career is coming to an end, and you couldn't be more ecstatic. Graduation is right around the corner, year books are being passed out tomorrow with your drapes, the college you plan on attending has been decided, and scholarship applications are all turned in. You claim you're down with everything, and just want to graduate. You claim you just want to grow up and be independent. You're tired of doing endless assignments for that last English class you needed to graduate.

Even though I am in college, now, I was just recently in your shoes. I couldn't wait to "get out of here and never look back." I was sick of the drama and the same faces day after day. I was tired of the same old same old and just wanted to move on to the next chapter of my life.

Before you move on to this next chapter, flip back through your pages and appreciate the things you've been taking for granted. You may not believe me now, but by the time your first semester rolls around you will.

Thank your teachers.

The endless assignments are grueling. You think they're out to get you with that B. Most teachers will curve in high school or offer endless extra credit at the end of the nine weeks. Or maybe if you're lucky, the teacher likes you enough to round that 88 percent up to an A. In college, most professors don't care if you fail. What's it to them? Don't take your high school teachers for granted.

Thank your siblings.

They're always there for you. You may not realize it in the excitement of packing for college that their hurting. They're losing their best friend, and so are you. There will no longer be someone to pick on constantly, or watch movies with till 2 a.m. There will no longer be someone who has your back no matter the situation. Don't take your siblings for granted.

Thank your teammates.

You have played with most of them since you could walk. They know you like the back their hand when it comes to your ups and your downs. They've picked you up more times than you can count. You all may be going separate ways to join new teams, but you'll never forget the endless memories you shared with each other. Appreciate the little moments because the scores are never remembered. There is no bond like a high school athletic team, don't take them for granted.

Thank your parents.

You've probably been crying for independence for the past four months, but you don't really grasp what the idea means until you are. There is no longer some one to wash the dishes, to put food on the table, to drive you somewhere, to help you fix a flat tire, or even pay for groceries. Paychecks become the best time of the week, and having a full tank of gas is like Christmas. Your parents have created who you are, and they love you with all of their being -- don't take them for granted.