It’s hard to believe that in less than two  months, the Class of 2021 will be done with their high school careers. I remember my first day of freshman year looking towards the future and thinking senior year seemed so far away. 

It sounds cheesy, but high school really does fly by. 

And as Ferris Bueller said, “If you don’t stop and look around every once in a while, you might miss it.” So here is some advice from a nearly graduated senior on how to make the most of your four years . 

Cherish your time with family and friends. You may have heard this so many times it sounds redundant, but it is true. You only live with your family for so long, so enjoy it while it lasts. Soon you will be missing those home-cooked meals and your dad’s bad jokes. Also don’t take your high school friendships for granted. . When you graduate, it becomes hard to stay in touch with everyone so make some memories with them while you can.

Attend all the school events you can. Football and basketball games, homecoming and prom. Don’t be afraid to show school spirit. One day you will look back and wish you had gone. Some of my favorite high school memories have been made at these events with my best friends. 

Don’t spend too much time on your phone. Seriously… put your phone down. You have so many memories to be making and tests to be studying for and sports to be participating in Instagram isn’t really important. TikTok is a waste of time. And don’t even get me started on Snapchat. So put down your phone and make some memories- enjoy the last few years of your childhood.

Sleep is temporary, but GPA lasts forever. Just kidding! Your GPA is not the most important thing in the world. It may feel like it sometimes but don’t ignore other aspects of your life because you are too busy studying all the time. Live a little, and sleep a little while you’re at it. That’s not saying you shouldn’t put effort into your grades, just don’t drain yourself completely for a good test score . 

It is  tempting to slack off, and sometimes senioritis sets in when you aren’t even a senior. Make sure you see it through though. 

Lastly, be present. You are only in high school for four years, and then it’s over and done. You will never get these last years of your childhood back. So while you are here make the most of it. 

Spend time with your family and friends, put your phone down, don’t focus too much on your grades, and enjoy the ride. Because it may not seem like it now, but someday you’ll remember high school and wish you could go back.

These years  are going to be some of the best of your life. So live them to the fullest and don’t have any regrets. Carpe Diem. Seize the day and make your lives extraordinary.