Dear Class of 2016,

I know we always said we were better than you and that you were jealous of us. A pain in the butt. Out of control. Kind of like a younger sibling. I guess you get the gist. But right now, I want to let you know that I am so jealous of you and I wish I could be in your shoes versus facing finals, working full time and adulting. I kind of just want to give you some advice, as an older sibling, for the next month or two that you have left.

Please realize that this is it.

With classes, homework, spirit week, Friday night games, prom, finals, and graduation all around the corner, it's easy enough to get caught up. This is the time that you've been waiting since you first stepped foot into kindergarten. Senior year. Graduation. It's an awesome experience, but once you get that diploma, there's really no turning back. Cherish the time that you have left in those dull hallways.

Appreciate your friends.

No one was lying when they said you won't talk to half the people that you do in high school. You learn that some of these people are your friends because of the convenience, not the actual need and desire to be friends. You'll learn fast who those people are after you graduate.

Be kind to your parents.

This isn't just a stepping stone for you, it's huge for them. My parents were bittersweet for months at a time when I was in your shoes. They have to adjust to the reality that you won't be there in the upcoming months after you move on and go to college or move out. Be patient with them and let them cry on your shoulder, if necessary.

Be nice to your teachers.

I can't stress this enough. Just because you're leaving high school forever in a few months does not give you the authority to treat your teachers like crap. Remember who has put up with your crap for the past four years. You grew up a lot in these four years, don't go back to your freshman year ways just because you're leaving. At least attemptto do your homework.

Know that you'll miss it.

As much as it sucks now, you will miss high school. Everyone says that high school is the best years of your life, they are wrong in most cases, but that doesn't mean that high school was the worst years of your life. Waking up at 6 a.m. Monday-Friday, not having any freedom in your schedule, and the crappy cafeteria seems less than desirable now, but after being in college for a year, I catch myself missing it some days. I miss my friends. I miss my teachers. I miss the cafeteria. I miss the clubs. I miss my locker, no matter how much I forgot the code. Just take it all in and know that you'll miss it from time to time.

Congratulations, Class of 2016.

You worked for this and I'm proud of you. Know that you deserve this diploma. Know that you will make a difference in this world. Know that the "adult" world isn't as scary as it seems. Know that we're out here waiting for you.

Sincerely,

The Class of 2015