On June 8, seniors will be walking across a stage set up on the turf, snapping a picture with their diploma and standing inside Summit, possibly for the last time. The school year is coming to an end, and with it, seniors are graduating and a new class of freshmen are walking in. But as unsure as most of us were as we began through the four years of high school at Summit, we want to give other students some reassurance and advice.

Time really does fly, so enjoy your last years at home.

At the moment you are reading this, it may feel like high school will never end; the never-ending assignments, friend drama and grades. But in those final days, it feels like it couldn’t have gone by any faster—maybe that’s good, maybe that’s bad—but don’t take the time for granted.

“I would say try everything and don’t say no! It goes by way too fast, so make the most out of it,” said Summit senior Abby Toolan.

High school may be a confusing time trying to figure out the balance between school, clubs, friends and so much more, but it is so important that you don’t forget to have some fun.

Work hard and care about school, but don’t worry so much that you forget to have some fun!

“Focus on school while still having fun. Grades are important but also say yes to doing new things!” said Summit senior Paige Deke. High school may seem like a critical time with the time at Summit impacting your future after high school, but it is also the last few years before leaving home, so it is just as important to enjoy your time at home.

“My piece of advice for underclassmen: Don’t care what others around you think. Do what you want to do,” said Summit senior Coral Reed. High school can sometimes feel as though everyone is watching you, but after four years in these hallways, no one will remember that one embarrassing moment or what you wore to school that one Thursday.

There can be a lot of different pulling forces, don’t lose yourself in them.

Friends, parents, teachers, it can be a lot to balance the expectations of all the different people in your life, whether they be friends, parents or teachers. Pressure can come from all directions.

“Don’t do anything you don’t wanna do; save your energy for people and experiences that genuinely make you happy,” said Summit senior Arden Conde. Stay yourself, don’t be afraid to venture off and you will find the people who will really support you.

High school can be a tough time, but the people around you make all the difference, surround yourself with the people who make even the dullest moments better.

Enjoy the time with old friends, but don’t be afraid to make new ones as well.

From the ages 14-18, there are a lot of changes. Coming into high school with some friends and leaving with another can happen.

“Don’t be afraid to make friends outside of your core group, people are constantly changing and you never wanna put all your eggs in one basket,” said Conde. It’s okay if you aren’t the same person you came into high school as—in fact, most people are bound to grow up and change through the four years.

“My advice would be for [students] to really enjoy every moment with their best friends because it flies by so fast!” said Summit senior Eva Dauenhauer. A few good friends are all you need, but don’t be afraid to branch out and meet new people. The most unexpected people can make the best friends.

“Make memories with your friends, Branch out, meet new people and don’t be afraid to stand out!” said Summit senior Willa Jensen.

High school is a great time to try new things, so have some cool experiences.

And the best way to meet new people: JOIN! It may feel intimidating to do something without your closest friends or to join a new club, but some of your best high school memories and friends will come from joining clubs or sports at Summit.

“Try it all. Sports, clubs, whatever it is—it’s the best way to meet new people and make new friends,” said Summit senior Geneva Grube.

As the end of the school year comes, don’t forget to enjoy these last four years at home. As Summit senior Ian Kendall said, “I’d say do your homework and chill out. It’s not that deep, and you’ll be fine and dandy.