It is officially the second semester, which means seniors are ready to be done. They’ve survived three and a half years of high school on top of three years of middle school and five years of elementary school. Plus all the years before spent learning with their parents. They want to be set free. Honestly, I completely understand.

Sometimes, this leads to things such as ditching certain classes you don’t enjoy, skipping school when you just don’t feel like coming, or slacking off on your schoolwork and studying.

However, these things can be harmful.

I understand that you’re excited, but these last few months are some of the most important months of your life. 

It feels like forever right now, but it’ll go by quicker than you know. Everything you’ve done all throughout high school has brought you to this moment when you can show your true work ethic and how much you really do care about your future.

This is a time in your life where it feels that everything done doesn’t matter — but it does. It matters a lot. The fact that you could make it this far is impressive. But it’s even more impressive if you can push through this last semester.

There’s nothing wrong with partying and celebrating right now. In fact, I encourage it! You’ve worked hard to be here. But you’re not done yet. Close — but not yet. This is when you need to be working the hardest, not the other way around. 

Get yourself an off block and sleep in. But don’t start slacking off now. Just keep going. You’re so close!

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

These last few months are filled with distractions. Friends, parties, and the temptation to skip all your classes. You are tired and fried of all brain activity. You’re ready to leave. Are you strong enough to continue until the end?

This is the time to redeem yourself, but it is also the time where everything can go wrong. Enjoy this semester (it’s your last, after all), but to a point. Still show how hard you can work. Still prove yourself.

Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. It also ends with the last step. 

What was it all for if you don’t finish out the race?