As the last days of summer start slipping away, the realization that this coming school year will be my senior year keeps dawning on me. It seems that I've gone up the school grades in one foul swoop, while my childhood flashed behind me. I keep doubting myself, thinking I'm not ready or prepared. Once we graduate, my friends and I could be split up for good. On top of that, I don't know if I'm ready to graduate, and I'm scared of college. But after some deeper thinking, I realized being a senior won't be as terrifying as it seems.

With the school year itself, it won't be any different from any other grade. New teachers and harder material? Sure. But you thought junior year would be hard, and sophomore year before that. If the senior class wasn't ready to become seniors, someone would've said so. Every school year can seem challenging in the beginning, whether it was in first grade or 12th. So long as you approach this grade like any other, your school year should fun and exciting. Have some faith in yourself; you're doing better than you think.

When it comes to the possibility of never seeing your friends again after you receive your diploma, the good news is that times have changed. With technology becoming more advanced every single day, there are more and more ways to keep in contact with those you care about. Think of alternative schedules if you still wanna keep in touch. Maybe you won't be able to see each other during the week, but an open weekend is the perfect time to just hang out. If you can't find a solution right away, make one. The extra effort will be worth it.

Speaking of graduation, don't spend too much time worrying about whether you will walk or not. Almost the whole class does every single year. If you feel strongly that you won't graduate for some reason, talk to counselors or teachers you trust; these people often have your best interest in mind, and are likely more than willing to do anything to help you succeed. Never be too afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

As for college, you have to take a risk to make a change. Think over your options: Is college really for you? Should you try a technical college? How would the military suit you? There are hundreds of options, and many institutions will go over your choices with you to find the best match for you. When you try, you can make your ambitions come true.

Senior year is like an impending storm: unavoidable, looming, and scary sometimes. Just be sure to have an umbrella when it hits you.