A Message to Seniors

So it's the year you have been waiting for! You've spent your whole life dreaming of this time, and now it's here. Senior year is a special time to have fun and figure out who you are. Don't stress about small stuff, and make sure you have fun.

Know that it is okay to not be perfect. Your whole life doesn't depend on how well you do in class. When you look back on senior year, make sure you have more to tell than "I made straight A's." Don't get me wrong. Grades are important, but so are the fun things you get to experience during your senior year. So go to sporting events and maybe even a party or two. If you're like me, your idea of a party is a bunch of snacks and Netflix. But hey! Whatever makes you happy, do it. Have fun with your friends, and make new ones. Go out of your comfort zone and reach out to people that you know need it. Twenty years from now, it doesn't matter if you were cool in high school, but it does matter if you were kind. People remember the way you made them feel more than they remember your social status.

Don't get so wrapped up in the fact that this is your last year that you forget to have fun. Yeah at times it's sad, but don't miss out on the fun stuff because of it. And honestly, (I know nobody wants to hear this) things won't always go as planned. Not everything is going to be perfect, but don't let that get you down. Keep going for what you want (even if you don't quite know what it is yet.)

Have fun doing all of the senior activities! Roll everybody. Teachers, your best friend, that kid that lives across the street from you. And make sure you beat the juniors at every single pep rally. It's a must. Dance your tail off at prom. Dance like a straight up fool. Nobody cares what you look like. Just have fun! That's the biggest thing senior year. No matter what you do, have fun doing it!

Spend time with your friends and family. Those are the people that are going to be there for you no matter what. Appreciate time with your parents. Go on random beach trips with your friends. Take your parents to lunch. Make sure you go to all family functions. Make time for your friends. Even if you get wrapped up in senior year, make sure the people in your life know they are loved.

Don't take anybody for granted. The Lord works in mysterious ways, and you never know when your time with someone will be your last. And if you are graduating with less people than you should be, celebrate their life at graduation, do not mourn them. Life is cut short sometimes, so appreciate the time you had with them and understand things happen for a reason. I'm not saying to not be sad, but celebrate the beautiful life that made this world a better place.


 Now let's be honest.. The thought of moving on from high school is a little scary, but it isn't as bad you think. And no matter how many times people ask you "What are your plans after high school?" or "What are you majoring in?" it is always okay to answer with "I don't know." You don't have to have your whole life planned out. It is okay to not know what you want to major in. Just get some basic classes out of the way while you are figuring out what interests you. And just because you are in college, doesn't mean you have to stop doing things you love. Keep your hobbies, and if you don't have any, find some. Grades are important, but you need to have a little fun. One important thing to remember.. APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS! Even if you think you have everything taken care of, it never hurts to have a little more money in your pocket.

Now on the big day, wear waterproof mascara and shoes that you can walk in. Oh, and watch for slick surfaces while you're walking in front of everybody to get your diploma.. or you'll end up slipping like I did. (no worries though.. I didn't hit the ground. #madskill) Love every second of the celebration of your years in high school. Your hard work deserves to be acknowledged. Walk across that stage and get your diploma with confidence. When it's time, throw your cap as high as you can and laugh with all your classmates in that huge circle. And know that you are on to a great next step in your life.. no matter where your path might take you.

Reflecting on my time out of high school, I realized I worried too much about school and what everybody else was doing and I forgot to enjoy myself. So, learn from my mistakes and soak up every moment of your last year in the place you grew up. But know, high school doesn't have to be the best years of your life. You have the power to make every year after it the new best year of your life. Define your own success and then achieve it. Never let anyone make you feel like you aren't good enough to meet your goals. And never let anyone tell you that your goals are stupid. Because if they are important to you, that is all that matters. Love yourself and the people around you. Live a beautiful and prosperous life. And never forget to be kind to the person standing next to you.

Things you always need to remember:
1. DO NOT drink and drive. It doesn't make you cool.. It makes you stupid.
2. ALWAYS wear your seat-belt.
3. Don't put up with negative people.
4. Do your best in school, but don't forget to have fun.
5. Figure out what your definition of success is.