Dear member of the High School Class of 2017,

As you move into your final, and hopefully best year of your high school career there are a few things that would benefit you to keep in mind. For some, these moments will be the best of your life. For others, this is simply another step in the story of your life. Either way, you should do your best to make the most of the opportunities you are being given. It's a terrible feeling to look back and regret your senior year, trust me. There are a few things you can do to make your senior year.

Get more involved than ever before.

The more active you are during the last year, the more fun and good memories you will have. Join a new club/organization, attend as many sports events as you can. Go to the dances, even if you think they're lame. We are only young for a short time, don't regret not taking chances.

Step outside of your comfort zone.

What is something you would have never dreamed of doing or something you've always secretly wanted to try? Now, go do it! As Lewis Carroll said, "In the end we only regret the chances we didn't take".

Hang out with new people.

In high school, everyone has their group of friends that stick together. Newsflash: you won't all be together forever! Don't grow too attached to a couple of friends, because next year you will have to branch out and make new ones. Start early, and be a versatile friends to many different types of people.

Record your memories.

Start a scrapbook, or a journal, or simply take lots of pictures of everything you participate in. These keepsakes will be a way to look back on these times in your life.

Spend time with your family.

Soon you will be going off to college, or into the workforce. You'll move out of your parents' house and be responsible for yourself. Your family will hopefully always be there for you, but it will be a hard transition on your own. Take the time you have with your family now, because the moments you have left are limited.

Finally, live with no regrets.

We hear this saying, often used as an excuse to do something stupid. When I say live with no regrets, I mean go out and do what you want to do - within reason of course, and never regret the moments you spend doing something that made you happy.

I wish you all great luck in the upcoming year as you move towards the end of your high school career. I know you will be counting down the days until you graduate and get your diploma, but remember to live this last year to the fullest as best you can!