I remember last fall, beginning of senior year, it was the beginning of the end. Everyone was so excited to finally be a senior, the thing we had dreamed about our entire jr. high and high school career, and then the stress set in. We all had the stress of waiting for an acceptance for our school of choice, trying to fill out every scholarship form possible, and juggling classes, sports, and other just normal activities.

Senior year is one of the busiest years of your life, it definitely prepares you for college. Last fall I was juggling classes, two sports, show choir, a job, student council, peer helpers, college applications, scholarship essays, and everything else that comes along with senior year. I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was filled with so many memories as well as the stress. Last homecoming, last prom, senior nights at sports/clubs, last choir concerts, so many lasts that it’s hard to keep track of them all. So many times I wished that graduation would just come so I could be done with high school, my friends and I had started a countdown our first day of senior year, but when you’re in high school there is so much you don’t see.

Coming to college was a big eye opener for me. It’s actually really hard not having your parents at school with you. A lot of people think that since they’re so busy senior year and never home that college will be easier because you’re used to doing things without your parents, I was one of those people. But moving out and going to college made me realize all the little things that your parents do without you even recognizing it. For example, do you know how happy it would make me to have a home cooked meal right now? Don’t get me wrong the food here is pretty decent, but I can’t honestly say I don’t miss my mother’s cooking. I miss my dad being right there to tell me what that noise is that my car is making or what that little blinking light is on my dash. I go to school pretty close to home, about an hour and a half, so I could go home on a week night if needed, but I still really miss all the little things. There are so many things I wish I would have done.

I wish I would’ve appreciated everything more. Enjoy the simplicity of things while it lasts. I know there were plenty of times that someone helped me or I helped someone else and it just gets brushed off. Thank your parents, for everything. Thank your siblings, your grandparents, everyone that helped you get where you are today. Take advantage of the opportunity for adventure. A friend calls late at night and wants to go for drive or go stargazing, go. Take advantage. Don’t get so caught up in the stress or wishing your year away that you don’t enjoy it. You must take advantage of every opportunity and live your life.