I've got a lot to say but the first thing is please hang out with your friends and go on road trips with them and appreciate the time you have with them because it goes by soooo fast that you don't even realize. I wish I would've had better time management because doing stuff last minute is not a good time as we all know. I would say pick out what colleges you're thinking of and make some kind of chart and find all of the specs about them and compare them. Also do your applications early and make friends with the reps if you can because that really helped me get into the college I wanted. PLEASE think about Youngarts over the summer I beg of you pleasse do it. I regret having to do literally all of my pieces in like a month and a half it was terrible. If you're confused about something or you're struggling please get help. I know it's hard to take that leap and admit it to yourself but you'll feel so much better; Mr. Carson is there to help you and he's great. Also get help in general if you need it, therapy is great and it makes you feel so much better. Be friends with at least one of your teachers! It made my school experience so much better (I'll miss you Mr. Armetta!!) VISIT YOUR COLLEGE (if you can) omg I cannot stress this enough and if you can do a precollege because it will help you figure out what you wanna do much more than just going. I did a computer science precollege and I hated it and now I'm going to art school. I was supposed to visit my college because I've never been there before but unfortunately miss rona ruined that. Also apply to as many scholarships as you can because everyone else doesn't apply because they think they won't get it but it's so easy. Do as many portfolio reviews as you can as well if you're going to pursue art because they are so helpful especially in picking a college. I did one and I didn't even know anything about the college and now I'm going there in the fall because I loved the rep!! (shoutout to Darcy from KCAI :,) she's the best) Make as much work as you can it will help you improve and keep your portfolio well rounded. Anyway, the last piece of advice I have is to be yourself. I know everyone says that too but actually do it. Loving yourself is much better than being angry at yourself all the time for no reason. It will make your life so much better. Also have fun!!!! You deserve it! Hang out with your friends! Make as many mistakes as you can! Senior year goes by so quick you won't even realize :)

Laura Brannon <3

p.s. go to prom and grad bash if you're able because I'm salty that i couldn't even tho I didn't wanna go :( do it for me

p.p.s. I love you Auguste, Jade, and Michael, I wish you best of luck in senior year <333