Dear fellow high school senior,

Congratulations! You made it! After three years of hard work, determination, and grit, you finally made it to your fourth and final year of high school. Before you know it, you will be walking across that stage receiving your diploma. It's also the year of college applications, scholarships, many firsts and lasts(mostly lasts), and new possibilities. Maybe you'll finally achieve that SAT score to get into your dream college or realize a passion you never knew you had.

STAY FOCUSED. As crazy as it sounds, senioritis is actually a thing. Anyone can catch it, from the straight A student to the high school football captain. One way to keep it under control is to just stay focused. Think positive thoughts, like the new movie you finally get to see or the new puppy you're about to adopt. I know, you want to be done, I get it. I have had that lack of motivation myself. All I could think about was walking across the football field, jumping up and down as they announced my name, and shaking the principal's hand while being handed my diploma. Before you give up, think of that high school senior who almost gave up, but kept their eye on the prize and have never been happier. Keep your eye on the prize and don't let senioritis stand in the way of it. I promise, you will be proud of yourself the moment you graduate and say, "Momma, I made it!"

Go to homecoming, prom, winter formal, football games, basketball games-- YOU NAME IT!!!! These events are an opportunity to make new friends, get closer with your best friends, and make memories that will last a lifetime. It will probably be the last time you'll "Go Bananas" with your friends at the last home football game of the season, dancing with them at the annual Homecoming dance, or cheering the football team onto a state championship. Make your senior year one to remember and relish over the years to come.

Finally, enjoy it. Try new things. Step out of your comfort zone. Make new friends. Take on the world and all that inhabits it. Find your life's passion and pursue it. Follow your heart and don't listen to anyone's opinions about you. You're only a high school senior once, and before you know it, you will give anything to be a high school senior one more time. If you think about it, not many people get to be where you are now. "Senior year is the bridge you build to the rest of your life, make sure it gets you as far as you want to go."

Have a wonderful senior year!

Much love,

A fellow high school senior