Dear Seniors,

Look at you. Last lap. The finish line is somewhere out there, even if right now it feels like it’s buried under a mountain of assignments, caffeine, and the occasional existential crisis. Still, you’ve made it this far, and that deserves a round of applause, or at least a celebratory, overly priced, overly iced, iced coffee from Starbucks.

I know three weeks into the semester might feel too early for congratulations, but hear me out. Surviving this long in college, navigating the chaos of classes, late nights, internships, friendships, relationships and figuring out what “networking” actually means, is an accomplishment all on its own. You’ve made it through the freshman jitters, the sophomore burnout, the “do I really like my major?” doubts of junior year, and now here you are.

This year won’t be perfect. You’ll have days where graduation feels like it can’t come soon enough and others where you’ll wish time would slow down. Professors will assign the most confusing projects, your sleep schedule may crumble completely, and you’ll keep questioning if the degree is worth the stress. But you’ve already proven you can handle more than you thought.

So, my advice? Let this year be about balance. Say yes to the things that make you feel alive. Go to that one event you’ve always skipped. Stay up too late talking with friends you may not see every day after this year. Take pictures, even of the small moments. They’ll mean more later than you think. And when it gets heavy, remind yourself that you’ve already climbed the hardest hills and you are almost there.

Graduation will be here before you know it. For now, take pride in the fact that you’ve earned your place at the top of the ladder. You’re setting the tone for the rest of us, showing what it looks like to keep going when the journey feels long and maybe even too long.

Congratulations, seniors. Not goodbye, not yet, but good luck. We’ll see you at the finish line, caps in the air, smiles on your faces, and maybe even a few happy tears.

With Care,

A Fellow Student Cheering You On