Well, just like that, your senior year is over. And you thought they were joking when they said it’ll be done before you know it. Prom is just around the corner and graduation will follow close behind (a little too close behind if your graduation day is literally the day after prom like mine was). You’re filled with a million emotions — you're excited, nervous, anxious, sad…but mainly, overwhelmed.

You don’t really know what to make of all these things happening all at once. Really, the only thing you can do is embrace these next few months and be optimistic about the amazing new life you are about to start; because, trust me, this summer is going to be a memorable one.

Even though your last days of regular classes are over, there are still many more experiences ahead of you that are going to make this year one to remember — prom being one of them. Don’t be that person that sits at the table all night, eats and runs out of the venue as soon as they announce you can leave. You may think “after-prom“ is going to be more fun, but actual prom night is what you make of it.

Take a lot of pictures in the dress or tux you spent an arm and a leg on. Dance and sing with your friends. Take in the fact that this is going to be one of the last times you're in the same room with the entire Class of 2016. Believe me, you're not “too cool” to do so. And don’t complain that the night was boring if you did not make an effort to have fun.

Next comes graduation. While you may think this is just a boring ceremony you have to sit through for the sake of getting that piece of paper and a photograph, it actually feels like more than that if you pay attention. Actually, listen to the speeches your valedictorian worked hard to prepare. Process the words your principal has to say about you and your classmates. Proudly throw your cap in the air when the ceremony commences. Thank your teachers for helping you get to where you are now.

When summer finally begins, you're going to go on a lot of adventures with your friends that you may never want to let go of. You're eventually going to have to say goodbye to people that you think you can’t live without seeing five days a week. But the truth is, while college is new and unfamiliar, it will offer new experiences that you could never get in high school. So relax and pat yourself on the back. Without hard work, you wouldn’t even be here, but you did it.

Congratulations!