The 2017 seniors are a special class to me: They were the “fresh meat” when I was a high school senior. Most people took advantage of their senior year by using their power to bully the underclassmen or assert their authority without getting any sass in return. I wasn’t one of those seniors. The class of 2017 taught me so much more, and knowing they are starting their year as the top dogs of their schools absolutely warms my heart because they deserve their time to shine.

For starters, they taught me how to be the bigger person. The freshman beat us at homecoming events. ¼ of their class was at our senior prom. They never talked back. While my peers were taking advantage of having power, I sat back and took note from all the little freshmen. They were so mature about all situations, and they made the seniors look immature and evil by being the bigger person. I was taught how to be a nice person by a bunch of 14 year old kids while my adult classmates basically abused every underclassmen they could. 2017 is truly a class with class.

They helped me keep an open mind. I switched friend groups halfway through my senior year, and I befriended an unlikely crowd: a group of freshmen. My classmates mocked me for having younger friends, but their stand up and mature behavior made them so appealing to me. I never would have made these friends without seeing them stand up for themselves and be adults.

My self-esteem improved greatly when I realized these freshman saw me as a role model. Multiple underclassmen would approach me and ask for advice, and I was never one to turn anyone down. If you walk up to me, I will talk to you. I chatted with a few freshmen who I haven’t spoken to since I graduated, but seeing how they looked up to me as a stranger built up my confidence, and I’ll be forever grateful.

The class of 2017 aren’t babies anymore. They are standing in the same position I was just three years ago. I couldn’t imagine this day would ever come, and here I am as I watch my tiny friend group from my senior year take their senior portraits, make their last payments for their senior trip, and discuss their elective-filled schedules.

I had a conversation with my one senior friend about applying to colleges, and I started to get nervous. These little babies weren’t ready for college! They still had so much to learn! And then it hit me: they’re ready. I could only imagine how impressive they would be to the world once they were finally adults taking on the real world if they were already so mature as teenagers.

My message to the high school classes of 2017 is to not let it go too fast. To me, your freshmen year was yesterday, and you probably feel the same way. Take on your first day with joy and eagerness, but promise me you won’t let your senior year rush by so fast. Enjoy your last homecoming. Excel and immerse yourself in your extra curricular. Have fun in your elective classes. Take your time writing the perfect college essay to match your impressive application. Embrace every moment of your senior prom.

Your graduation night will be here before you know it, and you’ll wish to relive this year every day for the rest of your life. It’s essentially the end of your free trial to childhood life before you have to upgrade to premium adulthood. Make every moment count because most of your high school memories should be the amazing times you had with the people you’ve been surrounded by for all these years. Don’t focus on the drama, don’t stay with toxic people, and don’t worry that you don’t have it all figured out. You’re just starting adulthood; it’s okay to not have answers!

Adulthood can’t wait to have you, but we will let you enjoy your fun for one more year. Take this time to explore who you are and let your inner child run free. Make your last hoo-rah a grand one!

Thank you for all you’ve taught me Class of 2017! Can’t wait to be side by side with you in the real world!