When I first walked into high school as a freshman, I thought I had it all figured out. I had a solid friend group, my backpack was full of cute school supplies, and I was honestly kind of excited. But now, as a senior getting ready to leave, I’ve realized high school is way more than what I expected and not always in the ways you think.

First of all, let’s talk about friends. You might start high school with a lot of them, and that’s great. But here’s the truth: you probably won’t finish with all the same people. And that’s not a bad thing. People grow, change, and sometimes just drift apart. Some friends will stick by you no matter what, and others will fade out when things get real. It hurts sometimes, but it also teaches you who’s really meant to be in your life. So don’t hold on to people who aren’t willing to grow with you; focus on the ones who stay, who support you, and who bring out the best in you.

Next, don’t stress yourself out trying to be perfect. Yes, your grades matter, and yes, you should work hard, but don’t let school take over your whole life. Take breaks. Sleep. Talk to your friends. Go to the football games even if you don’t understand what’s going on. Try out for that club or team even if you’re nervous. Some of the best memories I have come from the random moments I didn’t plan, laughing in the hallway, last-minute study sessions, and inside jokes that don’t even make sense anymore.

Also, please don’t feel like you have to be someone you’re not just to fit in. I know it sounds cheesy, but seriously, be yourself. In freshman year, I thought I had to act a certain way or hang out with certain people to be liked. Now I realize that the people who actually matter will like you for who you really are, not some version you’re pretending to be. High school is already hard enough without trying to be fake on top of it.

And here’s a big one: it’s okay to not have everything figured out. Most of us don’t. You’re going to have bad days, awkward moments, and times where you feel totally lost. But guess what? That’s normal. No one has it all together, even if it looks like they do on Instagram or TikTok. Just take it one day at a time.

So yeah, high school goes by fast. Like, really fast. One day, you’re lost trying to find your classes, and the next, you’re ordering a cap and gown. So enjoy it. Take pictures, say yes to things, and don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re growing, and that’s what these four years are really all about.