I guess you could say I'm an expert on all things after high school since I graduated three months ago (please note the sarcasm). I have a few friends still trying to survive high school, and I want to give them all the advice I possibly can while they're still in high school. So, here we go.

Dear high school friends,

Hello my darlings, I hope this finds you doing well. It's your senior (or junior year) and I know you're probably super stressed out. It happens. Everyone is pressuring you to choose a college and a major and figure out what you want to do with your life. My first word of advice is to simply stop stressing. I stressed so much about choosing a college that I was physically sick. Stop stressing. You have until May 1st to send in your tuition deposit, and if you're selecting a smaller, private school, odds are they will still accept it even if you send it in late. And don't worry about a major, I've met several people in my class who are undecided and just taking their general education classes this semester. You have plenty of time. Enjoy the end of your high school career.

That being said, really enjoy your high school career. There are certainly a lot of things I don't miss about high school, but I do miss some things. I miss sporting events, homecoming olympics, dances, pestering our favorite teachers and I especially miss playing volleyball. Instead of wishing your years away, take advantage of the things you might miss and then take the time to celebrate the end of your high school career when it's actually over.

LEARN HOW TO STUDY! I repeat, learn how to study. In high school, I just read the chapter and made flashcards for vocabulary and I aced all four years. It's almost like common knowledge in high school, but the moment you get to college it's a like slap in your face. I have no clue how to study anyway other than flashcards because high school didn't prepare me for that. Take some time during high school to figure out how to study. The material in high school is much easier, so it's the perfect time to figure out what method works for you without risking your GPA.

Speaking of your GPA, your high school GPA is so important if you plan on going to college. Most private schools offer up tons of money in scholarships simply for your GPA and ACT/SAT scores. If you have a great high school GPA you will definitely spend less on college. Not to mention there are so many outside scholarships that you can apply for, and having a high GPA is something they're most likely looking for.

Spend a lot of time with your friends. This might depress you, but you won't stay in touch with many of your friends after you graduate. I could probably count all my friends from home on both hands. When you graduate you'll realize that you're only friends with some people because you see them six hours a day, five days a week for 180 days a year. I'm not saying it will happen to you, but it did to me. So that being said, cherish the moments you have with your friends just in case.

I guess what I'm trying to say is enjoy your high school career. It may not be all that you want it to be but how you spend it will really make a difference in the long run. You don't want to spend your first years out of high school feeling all sorts of regrets when you could really be finding yourself.

Much Love,

A recent high school graduate