As college is approaching, there are many things running through seniors’ minds. Whether it is battling with senioritis, applying for college, learning what the heck FAFSA is, and feeling overwhelmed in general, many students handle all of this in different ways. Some get into the mindset of, “It is senior year, nothing really matters.” However, there are few who really take advantage of senior year and enjoy the time they have left before everything changes.

It is hard not to get into the habit of just wishing the year away and anticipating all that college will bring. It is hard to not take advantage of waking up in your own bed or the friendships that have lasted since Kindergarten. Senior year comes so fast and it is difficult to know how to handle it. When you think you have it all under control, it is over in the blink of an eye and the cycle starts over again at freshman year. To help with the roller coaster of emotions that come with senior year, a few of last year’s seniors, who are now freshmen in college, have provided TRHS with some helpful tips:

1. Take advantage of the time you have with your friends.

Lexi Humphreys, freshman at Clemson University said, “It really does go by in the blink of an eye, so take in every moment. Don’t wish it away.” Even with the drama, the pettiness, or the broken friendships, do not let these relationships negatively affect senior year. Ultimately, if there is a perfect time for everyone to get along and make the most of it, it is now.

2. Let your favorite teachers know how much they mean to you.

“After high school, it is okay to contact them and keep in touch,” said Wofford freshman Meredith Turner.  Keeping the good relationships with your high school teachers will come in handy- especially if you need help or advice.

3. Make the most of your time and participate in everything.

Bubba Philpot, freshman at the University of South Carolina University, said, “Go to every school event you can. Don’t skip out on basketball games or a football game or even beta meetings. Remember that in high school you really are writing your future, so stay involved.” Even if it is not the most popular event, take advantage of the opportunity to spend time with your peers.

4. Say no to senioritis!

“Don’t forget everything you learned in high school between graduation and first day of college,” said Furman University freshman Bo Mckinney. Be ready to start the first day of college with a new mindset and motivation.  As hard as it is, do not let senioritis affect you to the point of no return.

5. Eat the meatloaf.

“No matter what you think now, you will miss your mom. You will miss her cooking. Even if it is not your favorite, just eat it anyway,” said Turner. Once you settle in after the move and the hype of the first few weeks fade, you will miss anything home-cooked. Appreciate the home cooking, whatever it may be, and everything that “home” has to offer, before you have to figure it out on your own. After all, it is not just your last year with your friends and teachers, but at home with your siblings and parents, too.

6. You will make new friends.

When choosing a college, do not just pick the one that your friends from high school are going to. You will make new friends in due time wherever you go; making new friends is totally okay. It is possible to keep in touch with friends from high school and still have friends in college.

So to my fellow seniors, let’s make the most of our final semester. Soak in each moment, take as many pictures in the stands, and never forget precious memories like singing “Don’t stop Believin'” at float building. Here’s to the Class of 2018!