10 Pieces of Advice for Incoming High School Seniors

Senior year: a mix of every emotion possible-sadness, happiness, excitement, disappointment, love, letting go, and hope. Going through your last year of high school can be a different experience for everyone, but any advice is helpful during a time like this. It is a time of many lasts, and new beginnings. Here are 10 pieces of advice for incoming high school seniors that I wish I was given before starting my senior year:

1. Don’t take the application process too seriously.

You will find your way no matter what. Take your time to figure out what you want to do, what you are passionate about, and follow your heart. More times than not, we focus on what others say, think, and do and in a time like choosing your future, you can only listen to one voice…your own.

2. It is okay to cry.

Senior year is an emotional roller coaster. You have your ups and you have many downs and if one day the only way out is to cry, you can cry. There is no shame. It doesn’t mean you are weak, you are just letting your emotions out.

3. All of your “Last First ____” are moments to keep near and dear to your heart.

When you think about high school, there will be so many times of heartache, sorrow, and struggle, but also times of light and happiness. Those “Last Firsts” are the moments of pure joy and perfect moments you will not want to forget.

4. Rejection from your dream school is not the end of the world.

There is the light at the end of the tunnel and you will later find out that there was a reason you were not accepted, because in that moment, you will be doing great things and that rejection led you to that point.

5. It is true when people say “you find the best people in your last year of school”.

Accept everyone. Accept their flaws, mistakes, and embrace the moments you wish you could have had for years back. Do not wish you spent more time with them, instead make the most out of every moment and appreciate that you have been able to spend time with them.

6. Thank your teachers.

As much as we say we “hate school” and “I hate my science teacher”… you are who you are because of them. Every person you encounter in life has formed you into the person you are today, whether in a big or small way, they have gotten you here to this moment.

7. Take a moment to breathe and reflect.

Senior year will throw a lot at you and will become overwhelming. Take some “me” time out of the day to reflect and check in with yourself during this crazy time. If you do that, you will find yourself a more happier and peaceful person.

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8. Hug your dog.

That will be one of your hardest goodbyes whether you believe it or not. At college you will be missing a feeling of home, and your dog is that feeling. So hug him/her. Appreciate the unconditional love a dog gives you.

9. Do not have any “what ifs” at the end of your year.

For a lot of you, you will be seeing a lot of your classmates for the last time. Tell someone you love them. Go out of your comfort zone. Do something crazy before you leave.

10. Always be proud of yourself.

If you are ever feeling out of place, stuck, stressed out, etc… You are doing fine. Life is already hard as it is and we put too much on our plates and then break our backs to be “perfect”. Getting through senior year is a process. It takes time, will power, and strength. You are already doing amazing for getting to this point in your life. Never cut yourself short. You are doing the best you can. Do not compare yourself to others. Just be the best you can be.