Dear High-School Senior,

Don't rush it.

I know. The excitement of getting away from the place you've spent the last 12-15 years of your life at can be overwhelmingly exciting, but face it: you're going to miss it.

I remember all to well the night before my first day of senior year! I was nervous, but so excited. I remember thinking to myself "in less than 9 months I'll be a high school graduate, but more excitingly than that; I'll be a college student."

Don't get me wrong, I was not and am not that girl who obsesses over her high school days and wishes to go back, because I wouldn't go back if I could. But, I do wish I would've slowed down and spent a lot more time hanging out with my friends and enjoying the last year of my high school career instead of wishing it by and counting down the days until May 1st.
I wish I wouldn't have rushed it.

Because after my first year of college and the beginning of my second; I've soon realized that I shouldn't have wished those days away. Or even set a countdown on my phone. I should've soaked up the memories and made every minute count. Instead of dreading school the next morning; I should've looked forward to spending time with my classmates-- the people who had been my best friends for the past 15 years or longer.

I called myself listening to (and taking) the advice of the students who had graduated before me; but quickly after starting college (in another state; with almost none of my high school friends) I realized how important it was to make that last year really count. I realized how important it was to not rush the year by.

So, take it from me, the girl who went away to college and swore she'd never miss her home town or high school friends, because they'd "talk everyday & stay in touch." You won't. Don't wish it away. Don't count down the days; make the days count. Don't leave there bitter & hating classmates. Get over yourself, make memories, laugh, have a good time, hang out with your classmates and friends-- all of them, be late for your curfew because you're having too good of a time to leave your friends (just once; but let your mom know you're okay), just live it up, because soon enough you'll be at college trying your hardest to make new friendships while also trying your hardest not to fall completely apart because you miss the place and the people you always thought you hated the most.

High school days are not the best days of your life, but college days are. Make the time before bigger, better, and more exciting things count.

Please don't rush it.

Sincerely,

The girl who rushed it