Wow. I didn't ever see this coming. I never could have imagined that I would have arrived at my senior year first day.

It honestly feels like just yesterday I was locked into the safety of my math class as the seniors came charging through the hallways, pounding on doors and dressed in togas. I had no forewarning that this was a tradition at my high school, so I was thoroughly scared, confused, but amused. I could not wait to be those seniors running through the halls that built me for the past four years into the student and person I have become. It was the last hurrah as a graduating class before we focused on our individual paths and college applications.

I woke up the first day full of excitement and anticipation as I tried on my Incredibles shirt (our senior theme is superheros) that my friend and I spent the previous day completing. It still had not completely hit me that on that day I would officially be a senior.

I left my house, senior parking pass in hand, and pulled out of the driveway with my sister as my mom videotaped what felt like a conclusion after 12 years of previous first days.

Once I picked up one of my best friends, we were off to see what senior year had in store for us. We pulled into the senior lot, found a parking spot, and headed to the field.

Being in the midst of the craziness as old friends were reunited, pictures were being taken, and conversation was being made, put into perspective just how little time I had left. This was the last time I would be able to fill some of my friends in, in person, about the adventures of my summer. This was the last time I would enter the school for the first day. This was the last time I wouldn't have to pack all of my belongings and travel cross country to go to school. This was the last time I would have the support of my family on the first day. This was the last time I would be welcomed home with endless questions from my parents about my schedule. This was the last first day.

I was still in amazement as I walked through my schedule, realizing that I was the oldest in the school. I used to look up to the seniors, and now, I was one.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is going to be one incredible year. I am finally surrounded by genuine people, and my friends are some of the most fun people to be around. We all turn 18 this year; we have prom and other fun events that are associated with being a senior. However, it is still difficult to shake how hard it will be hearing our names called at graduation, realizing that ceremony will be the last time I see a large majority of my graduating class. So, I am going to do my best to focus on the next 9 months. Enjoy every bit, because honestly if three years can go by that quickly, I am worried to see just how fast one can pass.