It’s been a long time coming, but second semester senior year is almost over.  Looking back, my most prominent high school memories are the times when I was the most stressed.  Slightly sad…yes, but also very true.  I think almost everyone can agree that high school is riddled with stressful situations, whether it be too much homework, an approaching deadline, or an unhealthy abundance of school, extracurriculars, and sports while also trying to maintain’s one’s social life.  It’s easy to get caught up in the stress and become one of those people with a chronic expression of panic and worry on their face,  but that face is neither flattering nor necessary.

My grandpa, a wise man of 89 years, always used to say to my mom, “Things always get better”.  It helped her through a difficult time and when I was met with challenges earlier this year, my mom passed down the same message.  At first, I scoffed at the simplicity of the phrase.  How could four very vague words help me get through the anxiety of an exam, let alone the worries of college applications?  But, much to my surprise, it did.  When you think about it, things always do get better.  In the moment it might feel like we are drowning, but that certainly is not the case.  Whether we know it or not and whether we like it or not, we will always be wearing some kind of flotation device as we swim through life.  For me, that inflatable raft has been my supportive family, my eccentric and laugh-inducing friends, and of course my fluffy and loving dog, Riley.  They have made sure I’ve stayed above water these past four years and I am forever grateful for that.

So, rather than focus on the wave of stress coming at you and rather than avoiding that wave (because it will come; there’s no escaping it!), I implore you to instead focus on your floatie.  Surround yourself with people that inspire you and that support you and that make you laugh hysterically every day.  Four years is far too short a time to worry over every little wave and far too long a time to think that you’re already drowning – that will come when you’re older when you actually have to pay bills and insurance and stuff.  If you build up a trustworthy raft now, you’ll be more than ready to attack the many waves that have yet to come.

Remember: Focus On Your Floatie.  After all, it is what’s keeping you afloat…

Best wishes,

Taylor Foland