Today, I am graduating and I am beyond excited to receive my diploma. It's been four years of late nights, ups and downs, struggles, sports, after school activities, break down sessions, awesome achievements, new friends, skipping school, growth, and love.

However, there is so much more than receiving a diploma that needs to happen. Here is a list of what you should do before, during, and after graduation.

1. Thank your friends and family

Some friends you have known since childhood and others you may have met when starting high school. it is important to thank them, since often we take their friendship for granted. Graduation season is the perfect time to appreciate the ones around you, because truly they are the ones that have helped you grow into who you are today. Even if you are sitting next to someone during graduation that you think hasn't really helped you, or you two weren't very good friends, congratulate them. Thank them for being themselves, because going through school isn't easy. It is a special moment for all of your friends and family, sprinkle kindness to as many people as possible, for that may be their last memory of you. It's also super important to thank you family before, during, and after graduation for they are the one's who have been working the hardest to help you succeed.

2. Create a goals list

Creating a goals list is always fun, but creating one after graduation is especially important for growth and the transition. Goal setting gives clarity on your end vision, drives you forward, makes you accountable, helps you be the best you can be, and ensures you get the best out of life.

3. Become complete

Becoming complete means, to be wholesome. It means being comfortable with yourself and the world around you. Being complete with high school means that you are satisfied with what you have done, having no regrets. To be complete after graduation, you need to think about the friendships, relationships, and interactions that have made a difference for you and acknowledge them. Whether, it is writing them a hand-written letter or sending them a message to show them your appreciation. A good example would be that girl you knew since middle school, but lost communication with during the crazy four years of high school. Or that boy who sent you a valentines gram in 6th grade and then you stopped talking to because you felt weird. Any kind of closure you feel the need to be complete with is perfect to-do around this time.

4. Capture

Whether it is writing in a notebook or making a post about it, it is important to capture your feelings and emotions during these busy days surrounding graduation. Not only is it relaxing, it is also great to look back on. Graduation is a huge milestone, it's good to experience the full effect through these suggestions.