Starting school as a freshman, you think you have the whole world at your fingertips and your whole life ahead of you. You think that you have an endless number of friends, who you'd known for most of your life. All you really had to worry about was whether or not you'd want to go to that One Direction concert or do Geometry homework. Not really thinking about school, but what you were going to wear and what you were going to do to get your crush to notice you the next day. When Athletics was just for fun and the cafeteria food didn't taste as bad. When having large sleepovers were still a thing, and so was going outside to play with your neighbors' children. You weren't even thinking about growing up.

Honestly, I don't think anyone at that age ever truly thinks about it. Maybe you think of your wedding or becoming a senior, but now that I am a senior, I've realized that I've been deceived. Everyone is not your friend, and as you grow older you begin to grow familiar with this all too well. When in doubt, pack your lunch. Athletics can become your way of life. Cool people do exist. No matter what, do your homework. There will be someone else, no need to get worked up over one person. Don't eat that Burger.

As high school comes to an end for me and the class of 2016, I can honestly say that high school has taught me a lot. I made friends, real friends, who I know 100 percent will be there for me as I continue my journey into my own new life. Prom will be the best night of your teenage life, and graduation will be the best and saddest day of your teenage life. But hey, at least you pushed through. Even if you hated high school, it becomes nothing but a mere memory.

Afterward, life surprises you, so now it's time to become an adult. You have bills to pay, and no you don't need that two entrée meal from Panda Express, think about it. Life hits you, you may fall in love, many of times, before you meet the one you want to marry. There will be many days where Ramen Noodles will be your best friend. Your check may not be a lot for that period of time, so stretch every single dollar. Don't procrastinate. But do live. You only get one life, better live it while you can.