Dear High School Seniors,

In a few short days, you will get out of bed super early and get ready for the first day of your senior year. This might not seem like that big of a deal because this is your 12th time doing this, but let me tell you, it's a big deal. Senior year will be full of some of the best times you will ever have, so enjoy it, because it only happens once. I have listed some of the challenges and best times you will have, with ways to overcome them and ways to enjoy them to the fullest. Save this article, so that when you're approaching each thing, you can look back and get advice from someone who has been there and done that.

1. Your first day of senior year.

You're probably annoyed that your parents made you take a picture, because you think you're too old for it, and you probably are, but it means so much more to them than you'll ever know. Just take the stupid picture and smile, because they need to show off their precious baby to all of their friends. This is the first day of your senior year, and it's a big deal. My only advice to you is to be yourself; that's the best person that you can ever be. Join the clubs that make you happy, and do your best in school. You'll be thankful that you did.

2. Homecoming dance.

Now is the time that you get to dress up and look all fancy with your awesome date and your best friends. You're going to get tired of taking these pictures too, but remember that these are for you. You'll really enjoy looking back on these pictures. Dress your best, but don't forget to dance the night away. After pictures, who cares what your hair looks like anyways? As always, make good choices at the after-party. Let this be a good night that you will want to remember in the future.

3. Your last football game.

This is one of the most bittersweet moments of your senior year. You've been on the field or in the student section for four years now, and it's going to suck to know that it is your last time doing that. Even though college football is awesome, there is nothing like your high school football games. There's nothing like watching people you know and love score a touchdown. Make this night amazing. Take pictures in the student section and take pictures after the game. Nothing compares to high school football, so enjoy every moment of it.

4. College tours.

These are probably going to suck at first, but these will help so much. The second you walk on to the campus of the school you want to attend, you will know it. You're going to get this feeling, this sense of home. You're going to know when you've found the right fit, so don't panic. Go on tours and ask so many questions, because all of these things are going to help make your college decision one that you will never regret.

5. College acceptance letters.

Some of these might suck. I know there is no worse feeling than feeling like you're not good enough if you don't get accepted in your dream school. It won't feel like it, but it's going to be fine. You will go off to school and love where you are. They say everything happens for a reason, and this reason might not be something you understand for a while, but you will end up where you are supposed to be. And if you get the big envelope from the school of your dreams, run with it, and go buy a sweatshirt. You know it's real when you buy a college sweatshirt.

6. Prom

Your senior prom will be one of the craziest nights of your senior year. It's probably the last time you will see all of your friends dressed up, so take pictures and cherish these moments. Go to dinner and eat way too much, but not too much that you'll get sick. Dance with all of your friends. And again, be safe. Your prom will be one of the best times of your life, so don't do anything stupid to mess it up. Be safe, and don't ever think about driving if you've drank ANYTHING at all.

7. Graduation

This day is going to be full of emotions. Whether you're ready to get the heck out of high school, or you're scared to leave it all behind, you're going to be emotional. It's going to be a long day, but it's going to be a good day. Think about the fact that you've worked your butt off for 12 years, and you're finally getting that piece of paper. All of those long nights and tears were worth it. Remeber that and enjoy this night.

8. Beach week

Don't be ashamed if you don't want to go, but most everyone will. Always remember to be careful and be safe. This is supposed to be a week you will never forget, but make sure you'll be able to remember it all. Tell your friends how much you love them, because this will be one of the last times you will all be together in the same place. Have so much fun, and be safe.

Good luck to all of you seniors who are about to begin one of the best years of your life. Here's to the nights you won't remember with the friends you won't forget.