This is it, the year you have been waiting on for what seems like forever. A little piece of advice? Don't wish it away. Before you know it, the first bell of the first day will melt into the last. You'll attend your last pep rally and watch the Friday night lights go out for the final time.

Don't skip homecoming or prom. Those are memories you'll remember forever, no matter how lame. You do not have to have a date or a perfect promposal to have a great time.

Learn to say yes more. Join all the clubs you ever thought about participating in. Run for class president, try out for the softball team. Stop letting your fears hold you back. This is your final year to leave a mark on your school.

Take plenty of pictures. You'll never see everyone in the same place again. Some you may never see in person after your graduate. Years down the road photographs will bring you back to where you are now.

Don't get caught up too seriously with boyfriends/girlfriends. They will come and they will go. Lean on your friends and don't neglect them. Some of the memories you make with them will be things you will talk about for a lifetime.

Apply for scholarships NOW! I know I really could have cared less about it, but I promise when spring comes you will be searching for the funds. It's better to have too much scholarship money (hello refund checks) than too little.

Take your grades seriously, colleges will be looking at your GPA. Word to the wise, take as many AP classes possible. It will feel great knowing you have half of your basics done before you step foot on a university.

Love on your parents and spend time with them. I know you're busy, but they miss you. Don't take them for granted. They have done so much to get you to this point in your life. Chances are that you won't be under their roof much longer, so take a little extra time out of your day to let them know you appreciate them.

Cherish your friends. As you get older and move away, seeing them will be every now and then. The hard truth is that you lose a lot of people once you graduate. It doesn't mean your friendship wasn't real, it's just a part of growing up. Have fun, adventure, and laugh with them as much as possible.

This may sound ridiculous, but enjoy your last year as a kid. I know freedom sounds great, and it is. But you will miss when your mom calls to make your doctor appointments. Having to scrounge between the seats in your car for a dollar to pay the Taco Bell lady is not fun. Buying groceries becomes a necessity instead of a new pair of shoes. Seriously, enjoy having someone pay your bills and attend all of your needs

While this can come across as pretty cheesy, it's the truth. It will be over just as soon as it started. Enjoy graduation and be proud of how far you've come. This is only the beginning of the rest of your life.