Graduation is bittersweet.
You're done with one chapter of your life, but another one starts in just a couple of months. Everyone always says with disdain "Oh no, it's time to be a Freshman again," when that means nothing in college, as it did in high school. Yes, you're on the bottom again, you're new, but in my case, it never really made that much of a difference. Don't sweat having the title, you're just new. Whether you firmly believe that high school was the best four years of your life or you don't, welcome college with open arms.
Being a Freshman again feels as it did in high school, you're in this new place, bright-eyed and ready to learn and meet people who are in your place. These people that you meet could be with you for a year or all four years, college is an ever-changing experience with new surprises at every turn. What's great about most colleges is that you are put in housing with other Freshmen, people who are just as confused as you are in this process. Make an effort to get to know people in your building and people in the same major as you as these people may be able to help with questions you have or go to events with you. Remember, you aren't the only one that is going through a difficult time that first year, others are in the same boat.
College is a time to learn and grow not only academically, but also personally. This is the time when you will learn more interesting things about yourself than ever before. You will learn how to truly be on your own especially if your parents live far away. Even if you tell yourself you won't talk to your parents more than once a week, you're wrong. This is a difficult time for them too, and you'll realize that you miss them more than you thought you would. This is the time when you really start to see what the adult world has in store for you, and to be honest it is a little frightening. Keep up in your classes, your GPA matters a lot more than it did in high school. Make sure you get to know your academic advisor so you know what credits you already came in with and what you need. Office hours are your friend, that time you get alone with the professor can really make a difference. Changing your major is ok, it happens rather often, don't get stuck in something you don't like. Go to events, have fun and let loose, colleges can have awesome concerts and almost always there is free food. Rush that sorority or fraternity, and if you get in, I can tell you it's an awesome experience. Cherish the moments you have during college, and be sure to treat yourself once in a while, you'll need it.
Graduating from high school is just one step forward in your life. As you sit in the ceremony look around you, think of the memories you hold with the people you were closest with, the memories of the teachers that helped you through difficult times. Listen to those speeches, the advice given could stick with you for the rest of your life. As you walk across that stage and shake the hand of your principal and clutch your diploma in pure joy and relief, remember that feeling. Hold close to your heart the feeling of turning your tassel and throwing your cap into the air. You finally did it, your high school years are over, and now it's time for the rest of your life.
