After finishing my first year of college, I returned back to my small, suburban hometown to realize that even though my semester was over, the teenagers of my old high school were still stuck in captivity for another month. As we approach the middle of June, though, the seniors I knew quite well back when I was in high school will now graduate.

Whether my younger friends will be attending college, taking a gap year, joining the armed forces, or anything in between, there are a few words of wisdom I wish to bestow on them as they enter their new journeys. Of course, I'm well aware that I'm only a year older, but there are a few things I regret not realizing sooner after graduation.

1. You Are Allowed to Cut Ties With Toxic People

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I know you may feel pressured to hold onto some high school friendships that matter to you. However, now that you have graduated, you have the opportunity to truly evaluate who your friends are versus who the people you spent time with simply because you were all trapped in the same brick building for eight hours are. There is no shame in letting go of people who hurt you, who don't benefit you, who don't impact you in a positive way.

4. Don't Be Afraid to Contact Old Teachers

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If you're like me, you are probably very excited to add your high school teachers on Facebook now that you graduated. If you feel like there's a particular teacher or two who was exceptionally influential and who you had a meaningful connection with, there's no reason for you to avoid talking to them. From what I have learned, a relationship with your high school teacher can actually be one of the strongest bonds you establish.

5. Let Go of Past Grudges

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Whether you still have beef with an ex-best friend or you are holding onto the heartbreak of a past romantic relationship, it's now the time to release that anger and make peace. You don't necessarily have to reach out to that person (although it can be a great sense of relief if you do), but there's no is no benefit to holding onto those burdens. You will only inhibit your growth as an emerging adult if you continue to obsess over all the ways others have wronged you.

6. It's Okay to Recreate Yourself, Or Stay the Same

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When I graduated, I felt the desire to completely change my personality, my interests, my hobbies. It's great to have a growth mindset, but it's important to still stay true to yourself. For those who are entering college, you may think you have to cut all ties with your past self, transform into a new individual. Try to maintain a balance of who you are and who you want to be, so you don't lose your authentic self in the process.

7. Let Yourself Relax

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You have worked exceptionally hard to make it to where you are today, to be a high school graduate. Many people do not have the resources nor the opportunity to receive their diploma, so take a moment to be proud of yourself and all of your accomplishments. You did it, you deserve this.

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2019! You have so much more to experience: adulthood, careers, edible lunches that are no longer cafeteria cuisine. Best of luck!