As the end of your high school career approaches, it can be easy to get caught up in the panic and excitement of college, the future and all the possibilities that await you once you leave Oakton. It’s hard to keep your mind on the present when the future’s so close, but it’s important to find little ways to enjoy your last year of childhood and give yourself something to remember.

Tip #1

Say yes. Your friend wants to hang out over the weekend and you really want to go, but you also have homework waiting for you? Hang out with them! You’ll remember that experience a lot more fondly than you would remember sitting at home studying physics all night. Yes, school is important and you should always do your work diligently, but sacrificing a little bit of studying or essay writing in order to make memories with the people you might never see again is a much more enjoyable task.

Tip #2

Make the most of your time. Only have twenty minutes between school and practice? Grab your friends and go on a lightning quick Tropical Smoothie run. You’ll get to squeeze in a hang out with your friends while not missing out on anything too important. Better than sitting around in the cafeteria waiting for practice to start.

Tip #3

Get things done early. Finish your applications as soon as possible so you’re not rushing last minute to get them done. The sooner you’re done with them, the more time you’ll have to do the things that you actually enjoy. Plus it’ll make you worry a little bit less about the uncertainty of your future because you’ve done everything you can.

Tip #4

Try not to cry too hard. Don’t let the little things get to you. In ten years you’ll probably be laughing about all that makes you feel panicky right now. College is important but so is your mental health! Anything that makes you feel like crying usually isn’t worth the pain that it’s going to cause you.