Dear High School Seniors,

You’ve made it. You have spent your whole life leading up to this year, your senior year. This is the year where you are finally (technically) done. Three long years in high school, and thirteen years in school; this year seemed like it couldn’t come faster. You have one last year with the people that you spent the last seven years with. My advice, as I have finished about three weeks of college, after leaving behind countless memories, is to embrace all of it. Senior year is packed full of stress, love, laughter, and bittersweet goodbyes. Some of you may join the military and fight for our country, others may attend college, and some of you will join the workforce. Wherever your paths may take you, follow them confidently and don’t be afraid. It doesn’t matter what your future holds, just be sure to make the most of your senior year and your future. If your future path leads to college, take applications seriously. Deadlines are real and will seem as if they come out of nowhere. Most importantly, make sure you choose a school that is fit for you. Even if nobody from your high school plans on going to the school you love, go anyway. College is filled with endless new opportunities, and you will meet so many new people. Before you get to college, enjoy your last year. Hang out with friends on the weekend, go to your last prom, go to school productions and events- as lame as they may seem, get involved, but above everything, have fun. In a blink of an eye first semester will be over, and then spring break creeps upon you. Next thing you know you’ll be submitting final projects, preparing for finals, and awaiting graduation. You have earned this year and it’s all yours. There will be final sports games, final performances, final days in your favorite class, final school trips. It all comes to an end rapidly, make sure you take it all in. As you live your senior year to the fullest, make sure that you stay focused and don’t neglect your studies. Even though it’s the end of the year, it still matters. Have a wonderful senior year and best of luck in your endeavors after high school.