To the class of 2016,

In just a matter of weeks, you all will be walking across the stage in your cap and gown to receive that piece of paper you've spent the last four years working so hard for. For many of you, this is just the beginning of your education. For others, this is the beginning of another adventure in life. No matter which path you have chosen, it's important to live for now and not the future. These last few years have been full of people questioning your next move, wondering what you plan to do with your life. Scary, isn't it? I want each of you to know that it's okay if you don't have your life completely figured out yet. You're 17 or 18 years old. You still have time! Enjoy your summer, and make it last.

My biggest piece of advise to you is don't rush it. Enjoy these last couple of months you have to be carefree. Hold on to every last minute you have with friends you may not get to see for months at a time anymore. Share memories and make a few more while you can. Wishing your life away is not a wise decision.

Being from a small town is difficult at this time. Believe me, I was so ready to leave home and start something new. I was ready to make new friends and get a new job, but as time passed, I missed my old friends more and more. Seeing them make new friends made me happy, sure, but there was a dull ache in my stomach that could only be filled with one last movie night at our favorite hangout spot.

I want to share with you something you should carry with you for the rest of your life. Don't forget where you came from. I know you're itching to get away from the drama and the talk that comes with living in a small town. I was one of those people, too. But when you don't live in it anymore, you miss it. You'll want to go home every chance you get, and you should. When you move off to college and people start to discuss where they're from and ask you about your home town, I hope you talk about it with pride instead of reminisce on the ridiculous teenage drama that "ruined your life."

Just one year of college has given me enough wisdom to be passed on to all of you. Take pride in what you've accomplished, and take some time to relax before it starts all over again. Take a road trip, visit your family, spend as much time with your friends as much as you can. These next few months are going to fly by, and I hope you don't rush it.

Congratulations, class of 2016. You survived high school, and college is next. Get ready!