When does a goodbye not feel like a goodbye?

As I write this, I am a week away from senior finals and two away from graduation, yet I still feel as though I’m a sophomore. I’ve grown since then, sure, but my mind feels as though I’m floating in a public pool, drifting, waiting for the realization to hit that I’m at sea. I’m an adult now, not just 15.

Students, you’re not going to suddenly feel “mature” as soon as the next year hits. No. I don’t think you ever feel mature, not really. You learn to drive still feeling as though you’re sitting in the back seat. But you’re not. You’re ready, even if your knees are still trembling.

Incoming seniors, savor this next year. You don’t always know what comes next—you’re never assured your expectations. You probably won’t live a trouble-free year; that’s just life. Please make the most of every opportunity, because you’re never going to see that opportunity again. Just as flowers die after spring, so, too, will those opportunities perish.

That being said, it’s not all doom and gloom. Take the time to be excited. Every grade that you move forward is contains a treasure trove of new opportunities that you’ve never seen, unique situations that will let you flourish.

I, for one, can’t wait to see what next year has in store.