Dear Second-Semester Senior,

You're almost there. Graduation day, you can almost taste it. I know some of you probably can't wait to leave high school, while others wish you could relive your last four years. Last year, I was in your shoes, half wishing school what end, but knowing that I would miss everything that made high school so great for me. So I'm here to tell you to cherish every moment you have left because you're going to miss it.

Senioritis is real and you probably already have it. Try to push through these last few months you're almost done and there's nothing worse than having an opportunity taken away from you because you gave up. Some days you won't have any motivation and that's okay, everyone deserves a day off. You're almost at graduation, you're not there yet, you still have work to do and finals to take.

If you didn't get accepted into your top-choice college, it will be okay. Open your mind and look at your other options, there's a reason you applied to them. You'll end up choosing the best place for you. I never thought I'd end up at Saint Joes, but I can't imagine myself anywhere else. When they say "everything happens for a reason," it truly does, you'll see.

You only have a small amount of time left, have fun with your friends. When the summer ends you guys will go your separate ways and you'll only have the memories you shared to get you through. Let them know that you appreciate them, for everything you've been through these past four years. Go out to see a movie, go bowling, do something fun!

Spend time with your parents. You'll miss them when you're away. I know sometimes you just want your freedom, but don't worry you'll get that in college. What you won't get is your parents, they won't be there to do everything for you like they do now. Enjoy home cooked meals, but also your favorite restaurants. As a New Yorker, there is nothing like NY pizza and bagels.

Don't rush these next few months, because you'll miss it when it's over. It's gonna be an emotional roller coaster from here on out. You'll experience many last. The last time you play on your high school team, the last time you'll sing at mass, the last time you'll go to prom, your last day of school. It may sound like a lot now, but you'll get through it.

When you do get through it, college is on the other side of that rainbow. You're on to the next four years (hopefully the best) of your life. It won't be easy trust me, getting your freedom isn't all its made to be. There will be some rough days, where you miss home and your friends. Some days you're overwhelmed with readings and doing laundry and sleeping. I can't say that you're going to talk to your best friends every day, you're living different lives now. What I can say is that you'll make new friends and get involved in activities you love. And reuniting with your best friends on breaks will be that much sweeter, trading your favorite stories.

People always say college is a time to find yourself and experience new things. You'll be exposed to a new world filled with good days and bad days. So cherish high school before you get one step closer to the real world. Enjoy being a kid for just a few more months, before you're on your own. Don't forget to be proud of yourself, look how far you've come. Good luck!

Sincerely,

A College Freshmen