Enjoy Your Senior Year! Class of 2023…It’s Your Turn!

High school has flown by, and now you’re a senior!!! When you look back, have you really enjoyed high school? Or did you just fly through, waiting for the next chapter of your life to begin? Now is the time to make the most of your senior year! While this all may seem daunting, relax! It will be OK! Now is the perfect time to start planning these things, because the earlier you start planning, the easier it will be in the spring! Trust me,  you’ll thank yourself later! Planning in small increments over a long period of time will significantly reduce your stress levels. So plan early, but don’t stress!

1. Visit College Campuses

The best way to start planning the future is to visit the place you might be living at for the next four years. This will help you make an informed decision about your future. Don’t let this slide! Get your essays written and submit those applications! Before you know it, it will be spring and graduation comes quickly! When you’re planning your visits, try to schedule your visit while school is in session.

Read here for more great advice when selecting a college.

2. Start Planning and Saving…NOW!

While it’s true you still have a little while, it’s best to start planning early. Start thinking and planning where you want to live- are you going to live at home, in a dorm, or in an apartment? Will you have a meal plan? Some colleges have rules involving staying in dorms and having meal plans, so check with your college to see if you are required to have one or both of those things. Some other things to check is what is included in the dorms, whether you have communal bathrooms or private bathrooms, how close your dorm room is to certain buildings, etc. It’s better to be prepared so when you arrive on campus, you aren’t surprised on much.

3. Spend More Time With Friends

Whatever you decide to do after high school, it’s likely that some of your friends will be moving away. Try to take advantage and spend time together. Also, be sure to make new friends too! See if you know anyone at the universities you’ve visited. Maybe you’ll be able to connect with old teammates, friends’ siblings, or your friend that moved away a few years ago. And be sure to nurture your current friendships. Doing this will ensure that you’ll have someone to talk to if things get rough next year.

4. Thank Your Teachers

This is the time to reach out to those teachers who made an impact on you. Your teachers would totally love to hear a small token of your gratitude. Remember, most of them have a passion for what they do. Showing appreciation will go a long way. Whether it’s your math teacher who got you through Algebra or your favorite coach, let them know how they’ve helped you grow. You might even take some time to drop a note to your favorite elementary school teacher too!

5. Spend More Time With Family

It’s hard to balance school life, homework, and friends, but don’t forget to spend time with your family. Mom is probably having a hard time too, so take this time to do something special together. She’s gotten you through the last 17 years and you’re gonna need her even more as you venture into the adult world! You may be going away to school next year, joining the military, or moving out on your own. Enjoy having your family close!

5. Be Adventurous

Explore new things, new places, something different. Take a day trip with your BFF’s, or visit a new coffee shop, check out the museum in your town.

6. Be Upfront With Your Feelings

There’s no better time to embrace honesty. Don’t leave that chance for things unsaid. Definitely don’t be rude or mean about things, but saying how you feel about things that scare you will help you leave high school with no regrets. Get it off your chest and it will help you enter your next chapter of your life with nothing holding you back.

7. Embrace School Activities

This is your chance to fully participate in everything your school has to offer. Don’t look back and regret not going for the last time. This includes sports, football games, dances, and spirit days! While some of you may be playing sports in college, for others the number of games or meets left may be limited. Make the most of it!

If you’re an athlete, check out our tips for your senior sports portraits!

8. Forgive and Forget

It’s time to let go of old grudges. It’s your senior year! Honestly, it probably won’t matter that much in the future. Holding on to the past will only leave you with negative impact on your life. Relax and let it go!

9. Practice Basic Life Skills

Now is the time to learn how to be more self sufficient. Learn some basics!  For example, learn how to do laundry correctly.  No, you’re not supposed to dump your entire month’s worth of clothes into one load. Cook some basic dishes, maybe even cook a vegetable.  Learn the basics of car maintenance and make sure it is in good working condition. And definitely be sure you know how to handle money. Practicing now while you still have parents around to guide you, will help get a handle on some of the adulting that will be hitting hard next year!

10. Trust Your Instincts

Always trust your gut. Look, I want you to enjoy your senior year as much as possible and I want you to yes to all the fun experiences. However, if something feel right, trust your gut and don’t do it. Remember, many of you will be 18 during your senior year. That makes you a legal adult and the wrong decisions could impact your future. So just be smart!

Countdown to graduation starts…NOW!