Dear high school seniors,
Congratulations! You've made it! It seems like just yesterday you were a freshman, time has gone by so fast! Enjoy these last moments of your high school career- you will miss them later. Make the most of your time left with your classmates because soon you will all be going separate ways. You've come to the end of a journey that probably seemed to have taken forever. However, this is only the beginning. Before long, graduation will have passed, the celebrations will be over, and you will be packing up your room for college. The reality of moving away from home and out of your parents' care will begin to set in. If you're anything like I was, the day you move in will be a tough one. You'll be overwhelmed with a mix of emotions. Your parents will probably cry, and your siblings will be excited to use your room. You will be nervous, sad, anxious, and excited all at the same time. Meeting your roommate can be awkward, I mean, you are about to live with someone you barely know. When you're all moved in, your parents will leave and you will be on your own for the first time. After a few days, you will begin to taste an unfamiliar freedom. Your parents won't be there to give you a curfew or to say no anymore. You make your own rules! That seems awesome right? Yes, the new- found independence is quite refreshing, but be cautious. Like the saying, "With great power comes great responsibility", you now have the power to make your own decisions, so be responsible. Before long, all kinds of temptations will be thrown at you. You will give in- we all do. Don't ever forget where you came from, and never lose touch with your morals. Learn from your mistakes. Once you give in the first time, giving in will become easier. But like I said, do not lose yourself in temporary things. College will bring so many new opportunities. Step out of your comfort zone and join organizations, apply for student government, and get involved with the student body. Ladies, if your school has Greek life, rush! I came to college with no interest in joining a sorority, but everyone encouraged me to rush. Rush week was definitely out of my comfort zone, but by the end I was glad I did it. And to everyone's surprise, I am in a sorority! You will meet so many new people and soon you will have made a circle of friends. I strongly advise making friends with people who have similar goals and morals as you. Find a church group and get plugged in. Go out with friends and have fun, but try your best to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Prioritizing your time will be difficult. As a student athlete, I have been learning how to balance school, softball, work, church, Kappa Delta, and time with friends, and sleep has to fit in somewhere. In college, it is so easy to be lazy with school work. Your parents won't be there to make you go to class or stay in to do your homework. Go to class and get your school work done first. Making good grades is so much more important that sleeping in or staying out with friends. Don't forget to talk to your parents, they will always be missing you. Family time is still important. I forgot to mention that you will most likely have no extra money, but when you do have it, spend it wisely. These next four years of your life are for learning more about yourself and finding your calling. Have fun and make the most of every moment. Learn to appreciate the small things. But most importantly, please don't ever forget where you came from.
