As of today, October 6th, we are nearly two months deep into the wildest roller coaster of our little lives thus far. We’ve made it through an ACT, a couple of essays, and some pretty rough DE math classes (I don’t want to talk about it). Walking through the halls, I hear so many of my peers droning on about how they are so ready to graduate and it nearly kills me. What a lot of us don’t realize is that we have it MADE in high school. Believe me, I get it – I have a Pinterest board overflowing with dorm decor ideas that I update almost daily. While I am so excited to begin my college journey, I still want to soak up all of the awesome things that come with being a senior. In an attempt to help you all do this, I’ve compiled a list of 7 things I’ve learned in the 7 weeks I’ve been a senior.

CC’s is your very best friend. 

I’ve never been a huge fan of coffee, but this year I’ve given so much money to that establishment that I could actually buy it. The caffeine is literally addictive. I think I can speak for others too when I say that I am definitely more productive when I start my day with a tall caramel Mochasippi.

Mosquitoes are WILD. 

If you’re in Mrs. Lobello’s dual enrollment English class, I know you get it. I’ve written so many mosquito journals that I could probably finish my exploratory essay in my sleep. Mrs. Lobello, if you’re reading this, please try your hardest not to cringe at all of my mistakes.

Getting your first acceptance letter is one of the best feelings.

Even if it isn’t from your dream school, you have to admit it feels pretty cool. Y’all, we’re going to college!!! If you know a senior or you are one, then you know that LSU sent acceptances out on Monday and lots of us were on the receiving end of those letters. Something about sharing the experience with 70-ish of your closest friends is pretty special.

Even if you don’t admit to it, you definitely use “seniority” to your advantage.

You have privileges that the other classes don’t. Eighth graders fear you. Sometimes. What’s awesome about being a senior is that you can remain friends with all of the underclassmen while still maintaining your superiority. Something about being allowed to do pretty much whatever you want is exactly what you’ve been looking forward to since you were an itty bitty Ocho. I say allowed because come on, everyone does whatever they want. 

YoungLife is life changing.

I realized this pretty late in the game, but any other member can attest to it. The fact of the matter is that it doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe, you need to be a part of YoungLife. Everyone is so accepting, the Walkers are awesome, and it’s fun! Loud, sweaty fun. Why wouldn’t you go?

You find out who your friends are.

You’ve heard it since you started high school. You will probably never really understand what this means until senior year. It’s okay to keep the same best friend from preschool, but it’s also okay if you drift apart. It happens to everyone, and it’s healthy. Think of it this way: you are about graduate from high school and all of your best friends are going away to different places. We are all going to part ways and some of those separations will be for the better. You will feel so free once you realize who you do and do not need in your life.

Billy Joel’s “Vienna” is ridiculously relatable. 

Throughout senior year, you are constantly thinking about college. Pretty much 24/7. In good ole Bill’s song, he talks about enjoying the present and really living. I could copy and paste all of the lyrics right here into the article, but I guess if you’re really curious you’ll look them up for yourself. This song will hit you with like 65 truth bombs and you’ll probably have a really spiritual experience if you are hearing it for the first time.

That’s all of the wisdom I’m willing to share for now–do with it what you will. For all of my seniors: chill out, because you have time to decide what you’re going to do with your life. For all of my eighth graders, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors: don’t spend all 5 years dreading school and trying to escape… just relax and enjoy them!!