What’s that? Wait, what? I’m graduating in less than a month from now?

Graduation. That’s a scary word. In less than 30 days from now, the senior class will all be walking across the stage to receive our diplomas, and from that very moment…released into the real world.

For years, I never listened when people would say, “High school flies by fast, so you better make the most of it.” Thinking back on that today, it REALLY does. For the seniors, you may be freaking out about your future (like I am) or ecstatic about graduating (again, like I am). But, as much as we say we won’t miss high school, that we can’t wait to get out of here, and that we’re counting down the days until we’re at our desired college of choice; I promise you, we will miss our home cooked meals, our friends, and Ascension.

Anyways, here are a few things that you should be warned about prior to your senior year:

1. You will all hate each other by this point.

So it’s been four years, you are definitely tired of each other by now. Ascension is like a small family, so we all get to know each other very well. There will be a lot of arguing, fussing, and screaming…yet we all love each other (sorta). But try your hardest to all get along and if there’s people you haven’t gotten to know yet, DO IT. You might actually like them a lot.

2. You may think you know your ultimate plan (major, job, etc.)…but you really don’t.

Since my freshman year, I swore that I was going to be a lawyer. I have been enrolled at LSU since the beginning of this month. Since then, I have changed my major five times. Don’t settle on one major without looking at your options because you may end up changing it after your freshman year; which will result in you taking a bunch of hard, unnecessary classes.

3. “Senioritis” is a real illness, and you WILL catch it.

You will procrastinate, slack off, and then hate yourself for doing it. But it’s all okay, “because you’re a senior.” Yes, you are a senior and your grades will drop majorly. Trust me, I’ve learned from experience, this year I’ve probably gotten the worst grades since the start of high school.

4. Take classes that will earn you college credit.

It will pay off!!!! That is all.

5. Apply to colleges that you are actually considering going to or have at least visited and/or plan on visiting.

I applied to a total of 16 colleges. I spent a ridiculous amount of money on applications, sending my ACT score, etc. and half of those college I hadn’t even visited. It’s a waste of money if you aren’t actually planning on going to the college in the first place.

6. Take the ACT as many times as possible before you start applying to colleges.

Take it every single time you can, seriously.

7. Get involved. 

Being in clubs, being officers of clubs, being a prefect, playing sports, or anything that could look good on a resume really does matter! Colleges look at that too, not just your GPA and ACT score.

8. Finish your 15 service hours each year.

Finish your service hours on time. It will save you a lot of stress and anxiety towards the end of your senior year, when you have to do 30+ or however many service hours.

9. If someone makes your senior class a GroupMe, turn your notifications off. Seriously. 

It’s really awesome, yet really irritating at the same time. I will admit I am the creator of the senior class GroupMe. It’s a blessing for certain things, yet the most annoying thing I’ve ever experienced in my entire life.

10. Live in the moment

Enjoy your time at Ascension because before you know it, it will be over. If you spend your four years here counting down the days until you graduate, you will miss out and be miserable. Have fun with your classmates, be involved, and don’t regret a second of it.