It is upon you, guys: your graduation year. I remember how I felt when 2015 slipped away and 2016 was a new reality. I was absolutely, irrevocably STOKED! And you definitely should be! Graduating high school is a monumental milestone...one that's taken a long time to achieve.

As the day's pass, I see some of my younger friends on social media posting their gorgeous senior pictures with hashtags of a countdown to that ever impending graduation day. Let me tell you, it comes a lot sooner than you think. Right now you're worrying about tests and finals, sometimes even on the collegiate level. I know I was! It's easy to get overwhelmed with just school, but believe me when I say that you need to enjoy the time you have left in high school. Go to every single sporting event that you can possibly attend. Enter the talent show. Take new and interesting classes. Step out of your comfort zones.

I know that you all probably hear the "You're gonna miss this so much when it's gone" speech from your parents, older siblings and friends all the time. I'm here to tell you that I miss an entire two things about high school. Those two things are: seeing my friends every day (friends that I've had since preschool) and choir. There was something immensely special about knowing that you were going to see people whom you've known for the vast majority of your life as soon as you walked through the doors of that school. Also, at least for me, choir was my family. We all bonded and were so involved with our songs and competitions. It was so important to myself and my fellow members.

I oftentimes find myself looking through old Facebook posts and yearbooks and watching videos of our choir performances. Those are memories that have been documented in order for us to return to them and bask in the beautiful thoughts they bring back. There were tears shed, laughs shared, tragedies, friendships, heartbreaks, triumphs and many, many other things that ensued throughout my schooling experiences.

With all that being said, I absolutely ADORE college. I love the new friendships I've made with fellow students and the relationships I've made with professors. I can't tell you the last time that I sat at a lunch table without it overflowing with my friends! And we've only known each other for 4 months at the max.

College is an entirely different experience for me. It's vastly more difficult than I ever imagined, I mean, I was stoked to just get a C on something! But I love the challenge and, more importantly, Cs get degrees! I actually am thrilled for this next semester to begin so I can learn even more new things; things that I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would be learning or be able to do.

When you get to the college of your choosing, spread your wings. I know it's scary, trust me. But it will be the biggest blessing of your life. Talk to new people, get to know your professors, go to sporting events, join clubs and organizations, embrace your individuality and flaunt it...college will shape you into the person you're truly meant to be.