You made it! You can finally say that you are the senior class.

Since finishing my high school career, I’ve realized there are certain things I wish I had kept in mind throughout my senior year. So hear me out...let me share them with you.

1. Take pictures. Lots of them.

You don’t have to be “that person” who documents their entire existence via Snapchat. But every once in a while, grab your phone and snap a few pictures to remember the night. If you’re anything like me and are perhaps a bit overly sentimental, you’ll be glad you did. Enjoy the time you have left with your friends before you all head your separate ways.

2. Don’t be afraid to take the underclassmen under your wing.

As much as many of us deny it, there was once a day when we were timid freshmen too. Be a leader for your younger teammates on the field or on the court. Set an example for them to look up to, and be a good friend.

3. Respect your teachers.

Being a senior is not an excuse to act superior all the time. Remember that you’re still a student, and chances are you wouldn’t be where you are today without many of your teachers. Appreciate them and their efforts to help you succeed. This year is the time when your teachers will become your biggest advocate, or your biggest enemy. You’ll want to be on as many teachers’ good sides as possible when it comes time to ask for those letters of recommendation. Choose wisely.

4. GO TO CLASS.

We’re all guilty of (intentionally) hitting snooze from time to time, some of us more than others. But at the very least, make an effort to get to school on time. Show up for that 7:30 a.m. government class. Just do it.

5. Focus on yourself.

It will be so easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing. Don’t think too much about where your friends are applying to college and what people want to do. Make your own decisions. Keep your focus on what you're doing — on yourself and your own future. Don’t forget that it’s perfectly fine to not know what you want in life or who you want to be. Don’t be fooled by the people who think they have everything figured out, because they most definitely do not. This is all about you.

Senior year is like nothing you have ever experienced. You will lose sleep. You will probably consume ridiculous amounts of caffeine. And you will, without a doubt, spend hours on end with your new best friend, The Common App. There will be times when the “senioritis” seems lethal. Power through, and make sure you enjoy what is essentially your last year of childhood because it goes by in the blink of an eye. Just when it seems like the end will never come, it does, and you're left wishing for just one more minute. You may not realize it now, but when you’re waiting for your name to be called at graduation, you’ll see what I mean. Keep all of this in mind, and you’re going to survive. I promise.