High School Seniors,

By now you’ve probably said it a million times…”I cannot wait to graduate…only X more days!” I don’t blame you. When I was in your position, I said the same things. You’ve made it through a lot by now. Getting yelled at for things that don’t matter, passing classes that you know you’ll never need, dress codes… You’ve had so many people ask you what you’re doing with your life, and you may still not know. That is OK. You are probably eager to be finished, and that’s normal. High school is some of the best years of your life, so here are some tips as you near the end:

1. Cherish the little moments because they’re gone before you know it.

There’s no more late night singing in the back of the bus on the way back from an away game. You won’t have to wake up early on a Saturday morning for drama practice or a cold, rainy game. You’re not going to be made captain and have everyone around you know who you are. Things are about to change big time, and I promise you, at some point, you’ll miss it just a little.

2. Don’t take having no homework or having nothing to do for granted.

In college, it’s normal to have 2 projects and a paper due the same week. In fact, that will probably be normal, and most of the time, it’ll be worse. There are so many days when I wish that I had nothing to do.

3. Cherish the naps.

A good nap is rare. (Unless you skip a responsibility to get it)

4. Don’t focus only on graduating; get to know your classmates sooner.

I had a lot of friends and acquaintances in high school; people I could go to for anything. But that’s all they were. The majority of these relationships were convenient and once the busyness of life begins, those will probably stop because they were just for the mean time. You have to make your relationships intentional if you want them to last.

5. College isn’t for everyone, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed…it’s OK.

There are a lot of times that I have wanted to drop out of college because it’s hard, and I know a handful of people who have. College isn’t for everyone and you may have no clue what you want to do with your life, but rest assured, you’ll figure it out. If you think you know what you want to do with your life, you may, but chances are, you’re going to change your mind. That’s OK too!

6. Form good devotional habits NOW!

Right now, if your excuse is that you don’t have time, or that you forget, in college or a job, it’s going to be way worse. Let's be frank. High school is memorable and hard at times, but it’s always one of the easiest times in life. Form good habits now, so that they’ll carry over in the future.

7. Don’t be wish-washy.

You probably have a lot of regrets at this point in your life, and as you know, you’ll definitely have more. Don’t be wishy-washy in what you’re comfortable with. Chances are, if you have even the tiniest bad feeling of something you’re doing…you’ll regret it! I know a lot of people who have gone to college and made bad choices that have definitely complicated their lives. This is your chance for a “clean slate;” make it count.

8. Know yourself.

Your teammates may move across the country for college and end up staying there. Your best friends may go away for college, and your high school coach isn’t going to college with you. If you’re going away, your youth pastor and parents aren’t going with you either. The people who know you best are no longer there, so know yourself so you can begin the next chapter of your life in the right way by being responsible. Respect yourself and others. You can have fun, while still doing this.

9. It’s OK to cry.

Throughout the whole process of graduating, I never cried, but it’s ok to because your life is changing big time. College is different. My first semester I changed my major 4-5 times…I’ve lost track. You feel like since you’re in college, you need to know what you’re doing. It’s ok if you don’t. One of my professors still doesn’t know my name, and we don’t have any classes left this semester. You’re going to get overwhelmed, you’re going to want to give up at times, and you’re going to want to cry. It’s OK to cry.

10. Remember to have fun.

You’re coming to the end of some of the best years, but it’s not over and there is still time for memories. Don’t forget that college years are better in different ways, and you have a lot to look forward to.

11. You’re not alone.

At times, you may feel alone and like no one understands what you’re going through. But don’t forget, your entire class does. After you graduate, you still have your family and those friends who didn’t leave, and you always will. Don’t forget…God really wants to have a relationship with you as well, plus He knows what you’re going through better than your friends and family anyways.

Lastly…

12. Be curious.

No one knows you in college, and at first, your beliefs have no weight. If you voice your opinion, you need to stand firm behind why you believe it and understand that reason as well because you may have to defend it a few times. But be curious as well. Ask questions, gain answers, form an opinion, and strap down because you need to take this one with you throughout the rest of your life.

Your high school years are coming to a close. Once graduation is over, it’s time for a new chapter to begin in your life, and it’s going to come with so many new emotions and experiences. You’re going to grow as a person so much. Make sure you cherish your last few weeks of high school, and get ready for years that will form the basis for your life.