Dear High School Senior,

You're rounding out your last few months in high school. Orders for your cap and gowns have been turned in, your senior spring break is getting planned. You've either just made your decision on your future college or you're in the middle of it right now. When I was in your shoes, just a year ago, I had so many decisions and tasks on my plate I didn't know which way was up.

Just breathe.

Having one semester of college under my belt isn't a lot, trust me. But it is something. I know what you all are going through while I'm still experiencing something new myself. My first week of college I had more homework than in my entire senior year of high school. Don't get me wrong, I love college. That first taste of freedom is amazing. You can have the freedom to have two classes a day or four. You can have lunch whenever you want. You can lay in bed all day and nobody is there to yell at you to get up because it's after 3:30 and you're still in your pajamas.

It's the first few moments after your parents leave that it finally hits you. I remember hugging my mom and dad goodbye, walking back up to my dorm room and just sitting in awe. Months and months of build up and college was finally here. For me, the first two weeks were a rollercoaster of emotions. It was then that I was truly on my own for the first time in my life and trust me, it was slightly terrifying and insanely amazing.

What I'm saying is, take it all in. Look back at the last four years of your life and realize all of your accomplishments have been for this moment. Go out of your way to let your teachers know that you care. Spend more time with your family, trust me on that one. Hang out with as many friends as possible. Talk about your favorite memories, how much you'll miss them or just do something crazy. Sit to your student section at a sports event and go all out. When you're walking across that stage at graduation, think about all of the hard work you did to get there, feel proud of yourself.

Don't wish this time away, as much as I know everyone wants to. College is amazing, yes. But so is your last few moment of high school. Take it all in, this is just the beginning.

Love,

A College Freshman