Dear Class of 2018,

Well, here you are, at the beginning of your senior year. I remember how excited I was, I know you must be feeling the same way. Now begins the time of college applications and deciding on where you will call home next year. Senior year is a big year, but don't worry you'll be great. Being that I once was where you are now I want to give you some advice.

When you visit colleges, pay attention to that feeling you get when you step on the campus and remember that when you decide where to go. When you pick a college choose it based on how you feel when you are there. When you find the right college it should truly feel like home. I know everyone says that, but it's true. You will feel at home.

It's okay to not know what you want to do after high school. This is honestly the biggest problem facing high school graduates today in my opinion. They feel like they have to make a decision and stick with it. That is not true at all. Go undecided, take a variety of classes to find where you fit.

Otherwise, you'll spend your whole life either regretting your decision or saying, "what if I did this differently?" It's also okay to change your mind once you get to college. I know my ideas of what I am going to do with my life have shifted a little bit.

Enjoy every minute you get to spend either on the football field, baseball or softball diamond, basketball or volleyball court, and the track. These are the things you will miss most. Work just as hard in practice as you do in a game and I promise good things will happen for your team. Also, cherish your teammates, they will truly be your best friends.

Spend time with your family. I know this is kind of a basic one, but remember just as this is your last year to spend with your high school friends, this may be your last year at home. So humor your mom and stay in on a Saturday to spend time with your parents. Trust me once you get to college you are going to miss them more than anyone else.

Live in the moment. I know you're under a lot of pressure to make decisions, but don't forget to stop and take it all in. You only get to be a senior in high school once. Don't wish it away. Senior year is meant to be one of the best years of your life.

Now I wish you the best of luck as you journey through your last year of high school. You're going to be amazing and do great things.

Love,

A college freshman