The beginning of the end. The last first day, the last picture day, the last football games, the last of everything you’ve been used to for your whole life. The beginning of constantly getting “do you know what you want to be when you grow up?”, “what’s your plan after graduation?”, “what college do you plan on going to?”. Chance has it, you probably have no idea; I sure don’t. Here are some tips to help get you through this stressful, fun and crazy year.

1. Don’t overthink your future too much. You have time. You don’t have to have it all figured out yet. Some people graduate and still don’t know what their plan is. Everything works out in the end and it will all be for a reason.
2. Go to the football games. I cannot stress this enough. High school football games were definitely my favorite memories of my senior year because not only do you get top priority in the stands, but you get to go enjoy your night with your friends and forget about the stress of school. Plus, Carlsbad High School won most spirited high school in the nation so if that’s not convincing enough, I don’t know what is.
3. Hangout with your friends, and take lots of pictures. Chances are, after graduation you will hardly see any of them anymore so enjoy it while you can. Take a break from studying sometimes and go make memories with your friends that you will forever cherish after you graduate.
4. Participate in spirit weeks, no matter how crazy the theme. Go all out. Spirit weeks are always the most fun weeks in the school year because so much is going on around campus. And plus, if you think you look dumb, so does everyone else. You’re only in high school once; you might as well do it while you can.
5. Go to the dances no matter how lame you think it is. The music may suck sometimes but it’s a night where you let go of all your stress and just have a great time with your friends. One day, you might look back and regret not going, so get your nice clothes on and go dance the night away to cheesy, overhyped songs with your best friends.
6. Save your money ASAP. Get a job or make money doing something you love. When junior/senior year comes around and you’re allowed off campus for lunch and you get your license, you’re going to want money. Plus, learning to handle and save money is an essential life skill that you will need later on in life.
7. Apply to all your dream schools. Apply for scholarships and apply for all your dream schools you’ll regret it if you don’t. Focus on your grades and continue to work hard as that will keep many future opportunities open and available for you.
8. Spend time with your family. Soon they won’t be living under the same roof as you. One day, you’re going to have to move out and be independent, so make time to hangout with your family while you still can.
9. Participate in the senior activities. Go to senior sunrise, play senior assassins, participate in senior ditch day, make the memories that you can. You’re only in high school once, so go out make the memories that will stick with you throughout your whole life.
10. Make the most out of it. Yeah, tests and studying sucks and stress is always high because of grades, but for many people, high school is the best four years of their life. High school is a learning experience, the time you truly find yourself and who you are and who you aspire to be. These four years can either be amazing or horrible, and it’s up to you to choose which one it is. You’re only in high school once so make the most out of it.