Right now I'm a senior in high school and I'll be graduating soon. Whenever I think about leaving everyone and going off to college, I get sad. Of course, I'm totally excited for college and dorming and everything, but I can't help feeling like I haven't done enough in high school or gotten to know as much people as I should/could have. How can I stop feeling so sad thinking about all the good memories? Also, how can I make the most of the time I have left?
135412
College will be an amazing experience that you can also bring back and share with the people you left behind, who may be having their own amazing experiences. It's natural to feel sadness and even regret when you hit a point of change, and this is not the last time in your life when you will experience it. It's okay to feel what you're feeling. Be good and generous to the people around you in these closing weeks of high school and enjoy the process you are going through. Figure out ways to keep in touch with people, but don't be too disappointed if some of your relationships drift apart. If you feel like you haven't gotten to know as many people as you should have, resolve to do better in college, where some of the barriers of high school will be gone. Some people may tell you that these were the best years of your life, but every year can be even better as you build on the past and create the future. Have a wonderful graduation and an incredible time in college! Good luck!
446128
I graduated HS at 16, started college at 17 and do not regret it one bit. By the age of 21 I had my Masters Degree and was ready for the world. I will tell you though when I started college as a "young" 17 yr old not many of my peers wanted to hang around with me due to my age. Why I will never understand as if a yr really made a huge difference. I also had a very good friend graduate early with me and she didn't go onto college for 2 years after wards because she was not as ready as she thought she would be to get out into the real world. If you think you are ready to face the world I say do it but do not feel bad if you feel left out by your friends who stay in school and graduate when they are supposed to.
531603
If someone followed me into the bathroom I'd make a joke out of it, like, "Oh hi! Do you have to go too? What a coincidence!" Or ask them to pass you the toilet paper. \nMean, scary people--stay away. \nTwo-faced people--are at EVERY high school. Ask yourself, what makes them that way? It is their own insecurity and trying too hard to fit in with too many people. If you are confident in yourself and kind to everyone, then it doesn't matter what anyone says to you or about you. Maybe you have heard this a hundred times already. . .but it really is true. As you get older, everyone mellows out and guess what, gets nicer. Really. High school kids can be totally cruel and mean. But if you can rise above it you will be two steps ahead of them. \nI was so shy in high school. I was always kicking myself for the things people said to me and the things I WISH I had said to them (come backs). But now I realize that if I had been more sure of myself I would have definitely had more friends, and I wouldn't have been hurt by the silly things people said (and sometimes they didn't really mean any harm). \nHigh school is a fake world. Whoever is important there will probably never be important again. Whatever happens or is said will be totally forgotten after a year or so. \nMaybe you should try to find friends outside of school, like a mentor or youth group. \nAnd if you smile and say good morning to your teachers you'll find not all of them are so bad. I am sorry if you have bitter losers for teachers. Look at them as if you were their same age. Would you still see them in the same way? Or would you have some sympathy for them?\nTry to get the best education you can. If you have to join some class outside your high school, then so be it. \nWhen I remember being in high school I don't recall it being especially fun. The years immediately following--college and after that--were about a MILLION times better. I don't even think I had many friends in high school. I had one, but she drove me crazy. And then maybe 2 other girls that were younger than me. That was it!! But I did have a couple teachers who were totally cool. I will never forget them, and I'll never forget some of the things we studied, books we read, etc. \nI just kept going and things went totally uphill from then on out. Do not quit!
62798
If you wrote your question and comments yourself, I'd say you have some pretty good skills!  You sound as if you are able to put some serious thought into this and able to consider what might be the best thing to do.  If you have not already done so, have a serious discussion about this with your parents and your guidance counselor if your school has one.\n\nYou have to take control of your own destiny.  You still have some time to work on skills.  Check out the possibilities of getting some tutoring.  Many communities have options for free tutoring through volunteers.  Your high school may have a program where students tutor other students.  If not, maybe this can be your opportunity to see if you can get one started.  Does your high school offer an option where you could take an extra year to complete high school?  This is an excellent option for many students.  Also, I bellieve there are study guides available for those tests?  Get a study guide and start working on it.  Get help with it, and see what happens.\n\nI would suggest you try to really figure out what it is you want to do in college.  Based upon your level of ability, and if you truly "test just high enough to exit special education" then you have to figure out if your first choice is a reasonable option for you.  If your first choice turns out to not be a reasonable option (as happens with lots of students), then see if there is some related field or career that would be of interest to you that is a reasonable choice. Remember that today people change jobs frequently, often try many things before they get to the one that is best for them.  Keep your mind and options open.\n\nI would suggest you not permit yourself to put energy into feeling deprived or blaming anyone.  The past happened, and is past - it can't come back.  Take control of your life and begin to work toward what you want.  That's where you need to put your energy.  Make the most of each day and move forward in samll steps.  Face life and your future positively and assertively.  \n\nThe past is history, tomorrow's a mystery.  Today is a gift - that's why we call it the present.  Do and be your best today.  Work toward your goals.  Tomorrow will come, and if you do your best today, tomorrow will take care of itself.\n\nGood luck with the days ahead.  I wish you all the best in you future.
519251
for starters, no one will be 100% like you. everyone will do something in differently from somebody else...\n\ni suggest you think through these pointers: of all the friends you've made, think of the ones who actually made your day enjoyable. or those friends who listened to you when you were angry or sad. or those friends who you feel so comfortable with you let down your guard. even if they're different from you, these are the friends you should spend time with and get to know them better. you don't make instant friendships unless there's chemistry.\n\nand, i wouldn't suggest you avoid your friends, because there's no guarantee there'll be a person like you in high school. remember everyone is different so just mix around and enjoy :)
106086
I've felt that way a lot, specially during middle school, and only sometimes on occasion now, (i'm in high school ;)\nbut the reason i don't feel that way as often as I did in Middle School, is b/c I had a Heart to Heart with my mom (she's the one I felt like i disappointed all the time), and we finally understood where each other came from, and now I can talk to her like she's my best friend, if I need to, but Hey I'm a teenage girl, we always have those yelling moments!! ;) It's part of growing up, but the best way to cure that feeling besides talking, is giving ur self a bit of self confidence, you might need to start thinking what's good enough for you, and if it is  then don't worry about what ur parents say.
646687
You are just leaving high school where you probably have long time friends.  When you get to college you will probably be missing that closeness, but know that it will develop much faster in college than it did in highschool.  College friends quickly become your family.  They are the ones that you eat meals with, live with, and spend the most time with.  \n\nPeople at college didnt know you in highschool and have no preconceived notions about you.  If you were labeled a dork, emo kid, geek or whatever other label in highschool, people at college will not know that.  It is a fresh start, take advantage of that.  \n\nEveryone is just as uncomfortable and afraid as you are.  \n\nOn your first night in the dorms have a batch of cookies ready and walk around and introduce yourself to everyone.  Its a great way to meet people and make friends. \n\nMake friends outside your major. Dont worry if you dont have a major right now, or if you find out you hate your major and want to change.  I know people who didnt decide on a major till the 3rd year.  \n\nDont be afraid of the older students.  Its okay for 4th years to be friends with 1st years.  College is not like highschool, there are not near as many cliques. \n\nMost importantly, enjoy life there.  Do what makes you happy.  \n\nGood luck to you, and dont worry to much.
619548
You're still young, don't feel left behind because there are 30 year olds probably not as together as you are @ 21 . Maybe you did have to work and maybe you weren't "living" the way you think somebody your age should have ,but you were working and doing what you had to do for your future. So don't feel bad about it. You seem like you have your head on straight being that you are working and about to start school, so don't worry about what everyone else is doing believe me you didn't miss anything.
311437
This is a normal part of growing up.  It happens to all of us.  I remember crying my eyes out with a friend because we hadn't spent that much time together, and now we're graduating and won't see each other in a while!  I have seen her twice since then; 14 years ago.\n\nYou'll miss your friends at first, then you move on.  If you go to college, you'll make lots of new friends, and they'll have a lot more in common with you.  If you work, you'll meet friends at jobs.\n\nKeep in mind that if you were very best friends, you will remain very best friends.  My friend since I was 10 and I talk every now and then, but we live in different cities and are in different points in our lives.  She's a single mom now going back to school, and I'm married with 3 kids and already graduated from college.  But we still talk, and I'd still consider her my friend!\n\nRelax and enjoy this moment in your life.  There are many big events to follow soon!  Your life will start changing dramatically as you grow up!  And you are ALWAYS growing up!\n\n(Your e mail address isn't confirmed so I can't write you back, so I'm editing this...)\n\nI'm sorry.  This is a normal part of growing up.  Changing friends, changing lives.  You met these friends, you will meet more!  Being sad is alright.  Let them know that you will miss them, and that you wish them luck.  Maybe in a few years after things cool down you'll see them again!  There is the internet, after all.  When I graduated, there was no internet or cell phones.  Getting in touch with people was much more difficult.  I've recently gotten in touch with some old friends; and it's nice because it's been so long we have so many stories to share!  I had lunch with a girl I haven't seen in 7 years a couple weeks ago, and I'm having dinner with a friend I haven't seen in 17 years Friday!  I'm really excited, and I'm bringing all kinds of pictures!  We met when we were 12, and now I have a daughter about that age!  Funny!\n\nLife is fun.  You'll enjoy it.  I'm glad to see that you are so aware of your feelings and not afraid to talk about them.  That's the first step in being an adult!  So many adults have trouble because they can't understand their feelings, and if they do, they won't talk about them!  You'll do well in your life!
155905
I think that high school is a stage in life....when you leave that stage you tend to go on to bigger and better things. If you go away to college, you meet all these new people and as mean as it sounds you tend to lose track of your h.s. friends b/c you simply dont have time. I havent been to a high school reunion, but I feel that when I do have mine I will want to have great things accomplished not so I can feel Im better than everyone, but so I will feel that I have accomplished things some of those people never thought I would.
214718
As a person about to graduate from college, I am looking back at my high school graduation.  Get ready for change.  It will be great.  Take in each moment because these are the days to remember.  Have fun and walk with pride of all you have accomplished.
192551
It can be done, life does not end with high school. ;)\n\nYou'll have to set a certain amount of time aside for each subject (study & homework), play only one sport (each season) because more than that will not give you time for anything else.  \n\nYou may, or may not, have homework on weekends.  Either way, before going to hang out, do some studying (each weekend has 48+ hours minus sleep).  \n\nYou are feeling overwhelmed now because it IS the end of the year - and there is a lot of pressure associated with that.  \n\nYou'll be fine, many others have managed to juggle their studies, their chores, sports, family and friends, and you will too!\n\nCongratulations on your up-coming graduation.
130164
I think your friend is just looking out for you.  How are you going to feel when they are heading off to college while your still behind in highschool, because you skipped so much.
346334
Hi, I'm 26 years old and currently in my freshman year of college. I definitely know how you feel; all throughout school I was not a very outgoing person. I usually kept to myself, at the same time I  tried to impress my peers. Now I realize how immature it was to act that way. You should never look down on yourself in any kind of way. It is important for everyone to feel they belong, and you seem to doubt yourself. The thing is, other people are just like you, they will not approach anyone and end up never making any friends. Be bold and walk up to the other guy like you and talk to them. They are just wanting someone to break the ice. My advice usually ends up being religious, but I do not feel like I should preach to you. One thing I will tell you is, turn to the Lord and he will never leave you. He will always be there giving you comfort, and the the great feeling that you belong. I never feel alone because I'm not. Just realize that people all throughout life will try to hurt you to make themselves feel better. You control your own life....make the best of it....live life to the fullest. Talking to an older person is great because they are wise and can give you some of the best suggestions. Hope this helps
335353
I have been to 7 different schools and I have just recently graduated....FINALLY!!  It was hard because you have to start over each time and you miss what you left behind but I saw every move as an opportunity.  Nobody knows who you are or anything about you.  You get to start fresh!!  The first few weeks can be a Lil shakey but just be yourself...that's the only way you know for sure that you have made TRUE friends...Good Luck!!  It will all work out, I promise!!
390697
I wish a simple answer would solve your problems, but you will feel the way you feel no matter what.\nTo answer your question though you need to look at your dad is he happy? You said you are going away to college He needs his own life to. 2. You should not be worried but be happy if they do. You get a brother or sister that will look up to you forever.and number 3 Your family is your dad and soon he will marry of course he wants you to be a big part of that. You need to step back and look at your dad don't judge his choice just be happy for him and do whatever you can to make his day special. He would do the same for you I am sure of it. You will always be his little girl.
407083
dont drop out. if youre 18 that probably means you only have a few months left? trust me, graduation day is the best feeling. plus you'll go nowhere in life if you do.