Up to my senior year in high school, I was successful in nearly everything I did. And in my mind, senior year was going to be no different. However, it was. I didn't meet my high-expectations I had for myself. And it was frustrating. I spent most of my senior year moping and dwelling on it. It wasn't until the last few weeks, that I realized how much time I wasted not enjoying my senior year.
So with that, this is a letter that I wish I could write to the person I was a year ago.
Dear High School Senior,
Do you remember the first day of kindergarten? You had to leave all your daycare friends behind, and your mom left you for a full day with a bunch of strangers. There were thousands of butterflies in your stomach and you wanted to cry. But you didn't. You made friends with the person sitting next to you, and your classmates were no longer strangers.
Now you're just beginning your last year of high school. You're surrounded by people who care for you, friends who laugh with you, and you always know that you can go home when the day is over.
You probably have high expectations for yourself. You want to continue the legacy you made of yourself and set the standard for the underclassmen following in your footsteps.
It isn't going to be easy.
You're going to make huge decisions. You have to decide which college you want to go to. You have decide what you want to be when you grow up (and even if you have no clue, you're going to have to decide to have an undecided major).
Then you have to decided where your priorities lie. Are you okay with missing a "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunity to audition for something you may not even get? Or will you regret never taking the chance?
You'll also have to decide how you want to maintain your grades. Your English teacher will give you a 30 page handout on greek literature. She'll test you over the entire thing. How much are you willing to study for it? Every other senior seems to be enjoying the fact they decided not to do their homework.
When Christmas Break rolls around, you'll start to realize time is passing way to quickly. But the 2nd semester is always the best. You've got all these competitions to look forward to, and you've got the hang of all the classes.
But then, you let yourself believe that you'll be successful at everything you do. The first time you didn't quite "make the cut" will be hard. You'll have to decide how you want to handle the situation. Will you take the criticism as advice on how to grow? Will you blame other's for your misfortune? Will you mope around expecting everyone to feel sorry for you? Will you rejoice with others as they succeed?
Who knows? You may succeed greatly. But how will you handle it? Will you be humble? Or will you let it get to your head?
Your high school counselor will constantly remind you that you have all these scholarships due, but you'll have to decide if you want to finish it as soon as possible or wait until the last minute.
You'll see people for the last time. You'll have your last history test. You'll have your last band concert. You'll write your last essay. You'll take your last high school picture.
You'll graduate.
Every decision you make, you'll probably be forced to make it on your own. Your attitude will eventually affect the rest of your decisions.
I'm not going to tell you everything you need to do. But I will tell you to enjoy your "year of lasts". You'll only get this year once. Before you make a decision, think about it, pray about it, go about it.
Sincerely and Love,
Me.
P.S.: It's always nice to wish others a great day. It's even better if you do it daily.
