Dear High School Seniors,

With Christmas break coming to a close, you're easing in to "senior spring" and (finally) graduation! And believe me when I tell you, the next few months are going to fly by in a heart beat. College is a whole new ballgame, and whether you want to admit it or not, you will miss certain things about high school.

As a freshman entering my second semester of college, when I look back at high school the most clear memories are the ones I made during my final semester. From shopping for dresses for our senior prom, to running up and congratulating everyone on college apparel day, to screaming the last minute countdown on the last day of classes, it seemed as if everything we had worked for the past 4 years finally came together and felt complete. I know right now most of you are probably anxiously waiting to hear back from colleges, or counting down the days until you never have to set foot in your high school again... but my advice to you is to sit back, relax, and really soak in the final high school memories you will make in the upcoming months. You will remember these memories for the rest of your life, and you shouldn't let these moments go to waste.

You should take this time to do the things you've always wanted to do in high school, and make sure you leave with no regrets. If there's a classmate you wish you got to know better, talk to them. If you have a specific goal for your GPA in mind, strive to achieve it. If you are on bad terms with an old friend, get on good terms with them. I know some of these things may sound hard, but I guarantee if you have any inclination to do them then you should go for it. Do not be afraid to make things happen, because after all this is your last time to do so in high school.

Another important piece of advise is to also embrace the changes to come, instead of being afraid or sad to move on. Although you formed many amazing memories in high school and it can be hard to say goodbye to them, I guarantee the next few years of your life will be even better! So spend some time celebrating the next final months with your high school friends and family. Whether you're celebrating college acceptances, or even just celebrating completing high school, these next few months are supposed to be exciting, not depressing!

So as your high school experience comes to a close, make sure you finish strong and make these moments count. I promise you will not regret it in the long run. Good luck, and congratulations for making it this far! I knew you could do it!

Love,

the future you.