It's about that time of the school year when all high school seniors start really preparing for college; prospective schools have been visited, all the tests have been taken, and applications have been sent. Now, the real anxiety kicks in because this is when decisions start to roll in. You start to question anything and everything about the future and your decisions that have led up to this point: “Did I do enough community service? Did I mess up my applications? Why is everyone else already committed? What if I don’t get accepted anywhere? Guess I have to let my mom know I’m living on her couch the rest of my life.”

Going on Facebook and Instagram lately and seeing all the seniors from my former high school stressing about the future made me think back to when I was in their shoes not too long ago. I was completely stressed beyond belief about the future; the real world outside of the school, friends, and town I had grown accustomed to over the years. Thankfully, looking back on it now, I have realized a lot of things that caused me stress would not matter in the long run. So, as my first semester of college comes to a close, here are some of the things that I wish I was told when I was worried about what comes next.

One of the most important things I wish someone told me was to not be too focused on finding the perfect school. Because, if you’re looking at schools hoping for that love at first sight, AHA moment, ultimately, you’re never gonna find it. When I visited schools, I got caught up on the great little things they had to offer and overlooked the not so great major themes of the school. I was focused on finding the perfect place where I would fit in, but what I realized looking back on it is that there was no exact place. No one school is completely perfect; so instead of focusing on finding a place where you think you will fit in, focus on finding somewhere that offers things that you enjoy and will take advantage of because when you're doing things that you enjoy and find people that enjoy the same things, you’ll feel like you're at that perfect school.

Now, with that being said, if you find that school that has all the things that you enjoy and that seems like it will be where you are going to end up, don’t get your hopes up. I know what you’re thinking, "okay, Miss glass half empty". But, things happen every day that can change your plans for the future in a second, so having other options is a really good idea. Sometimes, you want a college that doesn’t want you back and if that happens, instead of being completely overwhelmed by sadness and anxiety about what to do, you’ll have something to fall back on. And just a little thing that I have learned; sometimes, that type of thing happens when you veer from your path. Those little setbacks that seem major now happen because something else even bigger is waiting for you somewhere else and you need a little help realizing that.

I spent the whole entire second half on my senior year a complete mess because the plan I had for the future did not work out well, as planned. I was accepted into a school that I thought was the perfect place for me, but it ended up being more expensive than I had planned for. I struggled to cope with this fate for a long time, and questioned myself constantly throughout the process. One-half of me was crushed that I couldn’t do what I planned, and the other half was frustrated that I, a girl known for meticulously planning out everything, did not plan for this. It led to a lot of emotions, tears, and questions about my self-worth and abilities. The point that I am trying to make is that no school and no decision should ever make you question all your hard work and the goals you set for yourself. You are so much bigger and brighter than how others see you during this time. Everything will work itself out in the end because when there’s a will, there’s a way.

Which brings me to my last piece of advice which is if you're confused or stressed out about the future, do not let it take you over. You will find a way to make everything work out even better than how you originally planned for it go. So, instead of focusing on things you don’t have complete control over, focus on the things that you can control. Enjoy school while you still can and don’t take it for granted, because in a few short months those easy As are out the window. Spend time thanking the teachers that have helped you throughout the years because high school will be the last time you see most of them. Be a part of that club, try out for that part, do that crazy thing you’ve always wanted to in school but never did because now it is the last time you’ll ever be able to do it. Keep the company of your family and friends, because the memories you make with them now will comfort you when you can’t see them every day.

Overall, the most important thing that I can tell you is to enjoy everything you’ve grown accustomed to while you can, to take it all in, and be present in the moments you have now. There is no point in worrying about the future yet. Instead, focus on the present and on being present because in the end, you’ll be just fine.