Dear graduated seniors,

First off, a congratulations is in order. You've made it through the most influential four years of your life. On the other hand, you're about to enter the four best years of your life. You're about to meet new friends, make new memories, and explore a new campus. Your life is about to change. And honestly, you need it. You're about to enter the real world. Things won't be like they are in high school forever. You'll have more freedom than you've ever had before. No one is going to nag you to get your homework done or make sure you're getting enough sleep. You can do whatever you want, whenever you want. You'll have so many clubs and classes to choose from. You'll spend countless nights staying up late with all of your new friends. You'll be exposed to things you've never seen before. This is all you. It's great. No more high school drama, no more limitations, no more cliques. And you will be forever grateful. You've grown up so much. You deserve it.

But don't forget the high school years. You've made some pretty great friends and memories along the way, too. There will be times the college load will be too much and you'll be wishing you were back walking the linoleum floors listening to the bells signaling the end of classes. You'll miss the constant guidance, the familiar faces, the repetition of your schedule. You'll miss living within a half hour from your friends. And believe it or not, you'll miss the cafeteria food. Even if you hated high school, I promise you, you will wish you could go back to simpler, easier times. Times you parents checked in on you, fed you meals, and constantly reassured you. Appreciate every moment you have with teachers who will remember your name for more than a class period. Appreciate the fact that you knew the majority of kids in your grade. But most importantly, remember high school in general. Believe it or not, these days are over, and you will never be in high school again.

So enjoy where you are going, but don't forget where you came from. Keep your old friends, make some new ones. Make new memories, don't forget your old ones. And hang on tight, because it's a wild ride.