Growing Up

Dear high school seniors,

It's sad because we have so little time left with the people we've been taking for granted for so long.

It's sad because it feels like it will happen so suddenly

Throw some caps in the air, and the next thing you know

The occasional Snapchat is all we'll get from the friends who used to be available

For every coffee date, adventure, and sit-in-th-car-trying-to-figure-out-what-to-do sesh possible.

But what's even sadder is that it's not gonna happen suddenly - it's already happening

Out lives are simultaneously speeding up and off in a million different directions, and have been all along.

Every person around us has a unique soul and is working towards their own aspirations

It was never guaranteed that we'd be crossing paths for long.

It's just that we're just realizing it now.

These things are just the melancholy kind of sad - 

They relate to unexplored, emty-slate beginnings and unfettered opportunities ahead of us all.

The actually sad thing is the fact that we still can't bring ourselves to completely appreciate the moments we have left.

We still succomb easily to pointless drama and exclusivity

That only serves to smudge out memories and obstruct our obbortunities to connect with the people around us

For what may be the last time.

We can't afford to do this anymore.

(And not just because we're seniors - this goes for anyone in any walk of life)

Our self importance an self absorption isn't leading us anywhere.

We have to start living life to the fullest, without judging or worrying about being judged

To squeeze out every good moment possible in our lifetimes

And to contribute as positively as possible to the world around us

We have to make the decisions we would make unhindered by anxiety, and live absolutly free of regrets.

This way, we can cherish every memory made.

After all, you can never grow back down.

Love,

a peer