My best friends graduate high school tomorrow!!!

One, I can’t believe that it’s already June.

Two, they’re all so grown up now! I know I only met them all within the past four years, but still. The high school years do a lot to people, and I believe that within them is when a person really discovers what he or she is passionate about and who he or she is.

I’m so proud of each and every one of the girls graduating tomorrow. Yes Villa is great and all, but there comes a point where you absolutely need to move on. You don’t see it now because most of you are in a bit of a state of anxiety and grief (I’d know. I redefined “anxiety” this time last year), but you’ll see it by the end of your first semester at college. College isn’t a breeze or a dream of any kind. Don’t let those stereotypes fool you. It sucks most days, although my experience was as atypical as they come. Just don’t go crazy and take advantage of your new freedom and independence. You’ll just look like a huge asshole. Sorry not sorry.

You don’t want to stay at Villa for another year. You want to stay in your comfort zone, and that is completely understandable. It took me a while to figure that out. I didn’t really want to go back to high school, I just felt so uncomfortable and unfamiliar with New York at first that I wanted the safety and community of Villa back. It’s great to go visit school when you’re home except if you’re me and just the sight of the building brings back a whirlwind of bad memories about said anxiety and makes you feel nauseous. Be careful. Don’t get too attached like those girls who visit three times a week and come home every weekend and hang out there on Friday afternoons. That’s just not right. Stay in school, kids.

I can’t emphasize this enough — when you’re packing up to move out, PLEASE bring some kind of comfort item. You won’t look ridiculous bringing your childhood teddy bear or your security blanket with you. I promise you won’t regret having a plush friend with you. Pillow pet and I are the best of friends, and she’s gotten me through the worst times when all I needed was a friend and a hug and I had neither easily accessible.

Find a healthy balance between your academic and social lives. Don’t forget to squeeze in a nap or two (or in my case, nine or ten) every week so you don’t completely fry. Naps are great.

Do things for yourself! Go out and eat that cupcake. Sit in the park and sketch. Make time to center yourself and stabilize your emotions and thoughts. Keep yourself first and academics second. That’s a lesson I learned the hard way this year.

To all of my friends in this year’s senior class, I seriously love all of you even if I don’t say it all the time. I can’t believe you’re all moving away. I’m probably more upset than your parents that my nest is going to be empty and dispersed across the country. I cherish every second I spend with you guys. You mean the world and then some to me. As I lie on my bed with tears in my eyes and thinking back on all of the fun we’ve had, just know I love you and can’t wait to scream and cheer for you as you all turn your tassels and walk down that aisle and sing the ever despised Villa Alma Mater tomorrow. I’m so proud of you all.