This is it. Your last semester of school.

Applications for graduation just opened, and you are wondering how it all went by so fast. Soon you will be taking senior pictures, ordering invitations, waiting in line at the bookstore for your cap and gown, and framing that $80-100,000 piece of paper. You may have a job lined up already following graduation, or you may be waiting on the right opportunity to present itself. Either way, here are a couple of things you should definitely remember.

Even though you are so close to finishing, you still have classes.

In the thick of the fog of excitement, it will be easy to look forward to graduation and forget that you have two assignments, a quiz, and two essays due in a week. Stay focused. Continue to do what has gotten you this far. You are only here because of the hard work you put in, not because you daydreamed about leaving for adulthood and the bills it carries with it.

Speaking of bills, don't be so quick to grow up.

You only have about four months left, and odds are that means only four months left of mommy and daddy's money, too. Remember to thank them for the amazing chance they gave you to get a degree and better your life, and soak up as much of their help as you can. One day, they won't be around to ask.

Lastly, never lose the work ethic that got you here.

In roughly four years, you have experienced a lot of stress, hurt, joy, and pure fun. You had to have put school first now and then, even when you didn't want to, which means you know how to prioritize and get things done. Don't let the graduation ceremony be your finish line. Let it be the starting line of your new adventure.

As you finally put 16-18 years of schooling behind you, look forward to the new life of adulthood and set to accomplish all the things you ever dreamed.

All my love,

A college senior.