Senior year is something that provokes challenge, confusion and the best memories for everyone, but also brings some of the hardest times in a young persons life. You are so ready to grow up, move out, become your own human being that we often speed past the best moments.

As a senior in high school there are so many things I wish I would’ve understood. There is room for so much growth and maturity your senior year and the summer before you go to college that you often don’t notice is happening, but that is molding you into a stronger human being.

1. People will talk- take those words and shove them under a rug and never think about them again.

What is every high schoolers favorite thing to do? Talk. About the weather, sports, whats going on in the world, and each other. People will always have something to say about the way you act, what you wear or what you do and its just not worth your time.

2. Go out for ice cream every time someone asks you to.

Don’t even start to tell me about diet. I’ve been on some kind of diet the majority of my life because its honestly just become something fun to try, but the random ice cream and coffee dates my senior year are some of the best memories with my favorite people.

3. Don’t go all out for spring break.

This is some of the best moments of your life to SAVE MONEY. Do fun things with your friends, but don’t go on a crazy vacation. Spring break of my senior year I went to Max Patch, NC for the day, had sleepovers with all my best friends, went hiking, and attended a bonfire in the 40 degree weather and honestly it was the best spring break yet.

4. Attend the sporting events.

I attended a lot of sporting events anyway so this one wasn’t that big of a deal for me, but when people say you’re going to miss the moments of cold football nights and packed student sections, they’re not kidding. College sports are fun, but nothing is better than standing on the front row of a student section that you’ve stood in for every event and yelling for the people you’ve known since kindergarten. Enjoy the wins and the loses, you’ll appreciate the memories.

5. Say thank you.

As graduation approaches, nostalgia will sit in. You won’t really know how to feel, but one of the most rewarding things you can do is say thank you to the administration, teachers, and friends who have made the biggest impact on your life. There are some teachers that go above and beyond requirements to help their students or make them feel loved and those teachers love to see students who are excited for the future, but also thankful for the time they’ve spent in high school.

Senior year is a whirl wind of emotions and events, but nothing is more rewarding than the moment you walk across the stage to receive your diploma. Cherish this time of emotional despair because being an adult isn’t nearly as fun.