I know, I know…

I’ve only been a college freshman for slightly longer than a month. I’m not ‘qualified’ to give you seniors advice on how to go about your last year of high school because I’m basically still a senior myself. I think, however, that the best advice comes from someone who has recently completed what you are going through.

Senior year. A time of fun, stress, and random bouts of completely mixed emotions that leave you so turned around and confused that you’ll just start to cry. You’ll think you’re the only one with this problem until one of your friends brings it up and everyone else will agree. You’re told senior year will be the best year of your high school career, and while that may be true looking back on things, when you’re in the thick of it it can be horrible.

At this point, most seniors are stressing about early application deadlines, financial aid, and scholarships. You are trying to put in the least amount of work possible in order to receive grades that will help you get into your schools of choice. It can be stressful.

There is nothing compared to the wonderful weight off your shoulders when you finally commit to a school. Whether it be the school of your dreams or another place you’ve found makes you happy, this decision is a moment of joy. No more high school. Grades don’t matter. Class doesn’t matter. You just drift through the rest of the year. You should be so excited about going away for school. However, don’t forget that you’re leaving your home. Everything you're comfortable with; friends, family, pets. Cherish the last few months you have at home. Honestly. Cherish the home-cooking. It’s a bigger blessing than you think. Actively seek out family time, it may seem weird now to do that, but once you start packing and reality hits you’ll be glad you did. Love your friends hard. Especially the ones who will still be in high school once you are gone. That will be a bigger transition for them than it will be for you.

Most of all, just try to soak it all in. There will be so much going on at the end of the year and just try to absorb as much of it as you can. You are about to embark on an entirely new journey. Things will never be the same again.