I remember how excited I was when graduation day finally arrived back in 2017. I was closing one chapter of my life, and about to embark on an adventure of self-discovery and growth. It was the end of high school, a day many spend dreaming of practically since senior year.

However, it seems as if many cannot let their glory days of high school behind.

Every now and then, I will see someone wearing their letterman jacket with pride on campus, and I am confused as to why. Honestly, all I think of when I see someone wearing it is: "wow, look at this douchebag."

They hold no significant value once you get to college because nobody cares if you were captain of the football team, student body president, or what other extracurricular you participated in. I promise you, there is a handful of other people who probably did the same thing as you.

College is a clean sweep. You are allowed to reinvent yourself without the boundaries high school sometimes implements. It is your first time being on your own and to create new memories.

Once graduation day comes and you get that diploma, it is time to hang up that letterman jacket so it can be a souvenir from high school.

I am not saying to drop everyone you talked to in high school. A few of my closest friends are the ones I grew up with, the ones I would see every day and have classes with. They are part of the reason why I look forward to coming home, so we can hit up our favorite local restaurants and go on late night Sheetz runs like we did in high school.

My point is this: if you are driving home every weekend to attend a high school party, stop. Turn around and just stay on campus.

You are missing out on so many opportunities college has to offer, or hanging out with the new friendships you are meant to make. If your hometown is anything like mine, there might not even be anything offered for you anyways. You are wasting your time by constantly coming back when who knows what you may be missing out on back at college.

Besides, it is kind of pathetic when you come home from college just to a party being thrown by high schoolers. And I'm not trying to be rude. There isn't really much that happens at a high school party besides kids trying to sneak alcohol without their parents realizing it while they sit around and do nothing, maybe take Instagram pictures to pretend "they are living their best life." As a college student, what can you even say to someone who still gets wrapped up in petty high school drama?

If you've been to a college party like at a frat or even a house party, you know that's where the real fun is.

So, do yourself a favor and don't drive home. Stay on campus, so you can go out with friends and make memories at 2 a.m. at McDonald's when you all go to grab nuggets and share them all. Trust me, you'll have more fun rather than coming home like you planned to.