Hey, high school senior! Yes, you! I'm so proud of you for finishing your first semester of your LAST year, you are halfway done! I bet this semester was a challenge to get through, with all of those college applications while still trying to balance school, extracurricular activities, social life... so on. Because senior year is still stressful, I have some food for thought for you before you conquer your last semester.

First and foremost, please take some time for yourself and your family.

After all, they won't be seeing you every day and that day comes a lot quicker than you might think. Spend time with your loved ones and let your mom cook her food because you will be missing that more than you'll know. I know I certainly did! Taking time for yourself the next few months is also really necessary because college is under the radar (whether you're planning to go or not) and you need to take the time to think about those serious decisions. You also need to give yourself time to relax and treat yourself after because senior year is no joke, as you might already know.

I cannot stress this one enough. Do not let those grades slip by, I repeat...do not let those grades slip by! You've survived seven semesters already while maintaining your academics...don't let this one semester get to you. Senioritis is a real thing and I can second that since I was a senior before too.

It's not easy to get around, but you have to keep your goals in mind. You may have gotten into college, but you don't want them to question your last semester's GPA. Believe me, it's important, and they do check.

As cliché as it is, make the most of every moment and opportunity. This phrase is repeated over and over, but that's because it's really IMPORTANT. Sometimes you may be too caught up on your college applications or just too lazy to do anything. But going to that last football game or school dance is a perfect way to make your high school experience fulfilled.

There are so many "lasts" and you have to take advantage of those.

You don't want to remember your last year as full of a bunch of regrets.

College rejection letters do not determine your self-worth and wherever you end up, you'll be happy. Trust me on this. Without a doubt, getting college decision letters are the most stressful part of senior year. Yes, teachers, it's even more stressful than some of your impossible tests. It's because it determines your future for the next four years! Who isn't a little anxious? Keep in mind, that none of those rejection letters determine your value.

You are worth so much more than that.

It might be hard to see now, but wherever you end up, you will feel at home.

Lastly, take the time to appreciate everyone who has helped you get there. Parents, siblings, teachers, coaches, you name it! Give them a small gift or card to show them your appreciation. After all, you couldn't have "almost" gotten through your required schooling years by yourself. Find a way to show them how grateful you are!

You could get through the past three years, you only have one more semester to go, you can do this! Don't let senioritis talk you into being unproductive because you didn't work so hard just to give up your last semester. I believe in you, push through and enjoy every moment, good or bad, along the way. That is what makes up your high school experience and you never know if you'll have those opportunities or see those same faces again.

Day by day, you're getting closer to walking on that stage and throwing the cap up in the air. Regardless if I know you or not, I'm proud of you and you should be too!