It feels surreal to think that I’m now counting down the days until graduation and preparing to start the next chapter of my life. These past couple of weeks, I have been reflecting on my many beloved high school experiences. As I prepare to leave Middletown South, I want to share advice for the juniors who are about to begin their final chapter of high school. 

First and foremost, cherish every moment. It’s cliché, but this year truly does feel short. Make the most of your senior year by saying “Yes” to every opportunity, whether it’s being a part of Midd South Nation at football games, performing in the school play, or planning senior activities such as Senior Sunrise and Decision Day. These moments will be the ones you look back on years from now, as you reminisce about the ‘good old days.’

On a practical note, start thinking about life after high school sooner rather than later. Wherever you are going after high school and whatever you hope to accomplish, it’s never too early to start looking toward your future. Visit college campuses, attend college visits at school, and seek advice from teachers and counselors who can help you.

However, it is important not to let the pressure of the future ruin the present. This year, I often got caught up in the anxieties of college applications, standardized tests, deadlines, and the ultimate decision of where I would be attending college. I wish that someone had told me to take time for myself. It is important to prioritize self-care and mental well-being, as well as leaving time for socialization. 

Lastly, embrace the bittersweet. It is rare in life that you know that something is coming to an end, so allow yourself to get caught up in the nostalgia. Reflect on the friendships you’ve made, the fun you have had, and how you have grown throughout your high school journey. 

Those of you in the class of 2025, as you prepare for your senior year, remember to seize every moment, prepare for the future, practice self-care, and embrace the bittersweetness of it all. Believe me, in the blink of an eye, you will suddenly be wondering where all the time went, so make the most of it while you can.