Dear High School Senior,

This is a memorable time in your life. It’s a time of excitement, a time of reflection, and a time of anticipation. As you tear open each envelope which determines if your future could be at a certain school, remember what it took to get to this point in your life.

You’ve already survived the SATs, various AP exams, (most likely) your driver’s test, numerous productions or playoff games, or whatever you’ve been up to throughout high school.

And no matter what the envelope says, you will still survive.

In fact, I hope you thrive in your remaining days as a senior.

I hope you enjoy your days confined in the walls of the school you’ve known for the past four years, enjoy your days in the town you most likely grew up in. Sure, you can come back and visit, and you will still be welcomed, but it will feel different. Not necessarily for better or worse, but mostly different.

I hope you enjoy your time with your friends. Plan for prom and beach week or a senior trip. Plan something. These days will be the last that you and your friends are all together for a while.

I hope you enjoy your time with your family. Spend time with your friends, but be sure to spend time with the people who’ve had your back from day one. Your family will certainly miss you too.

I hope you thank your teachers, coaches, basically those who have positively impacted your time. Nobody said high school would be easy, but look, you’re almost at the finish line and your support system is cheering you on.

You are probably experiencing the best part of your life so far. And remember, the best part of it all is that the best is yet to come.

Much love,

Someone who was in your shoes last year