Dear High School Senior,

As a college senior and a soon-to-be college graduate, I have learned a lot during these last four years. I gained a level of wisdom that I, as a naive 17-year-old, never thought I would achieve when I started my university years.

You will find out who your real friends are: you don't find out who your friends are in high school, you find out in college. Y our true friends will reach out to you and try to maintain your relationship even when you are miles upon miles and hours upon hours apart.

You will change your mind (like a lot). I thought I had it all figured out before I started college. Boy, was I wrong... Wrong with a capital W. I applied with my major and my minor already picked out, but within a year, I had switched my career path to something completely on the other end of the spectrum from where I began.

Expect the unexpected. Most things won't go according to plan, and that is okay. People will surprise you left and right. You mostly will surprise yourself. Most will not think like you, act like you, or talk like you. Remember to respect that, even when they do not appreciate you. Treat people with kindness, treat kindness with kindness, and treat disrespect with kindness.

You will meet a ton of people. Make as many friends as possible. You are all in the same boat and will depend on each other. They will keep you grounded; they will keep you on your toes; they will have your back, and you will have theirs.

Never take anything for granted. Stay humble. You will find opportunities that you never thought you would have. You will advance both academically and professionally as long as you focus on what is important to you.

Remember to study. Write down all due dates. Plan ahead, and try to finish work ahead of schedule. Planning will give you the free time to do more fun activities than studying while achieving your goals.

You will have a new exciting experience. Whether these years are your best or worst will be up to you.

Good luck, enjoy,

A College Senior