Happy February! We’re officially in pre-graduation season!
At the time of writing this article, I was a college freshman who had just graduated high school. So, take it from a “recent” high school graduate – there is so much to keep track of! I sure would have taken a checklist for high school seniors during my last semester. Not with all the major stuff; there are other resources (like this Complete College Prep Checklist) for the big things. There were several little things, however, that I didn’t think about completing until I was already living at college. While they can be done later, it’s just handy (and provides some closure) to have them done before graduation.
Context: T-minus 3 months from graduation, and everyone’s running around like crazy. Endless paperwork, graduation plans, last games, college deadlines, and final class GPA’s. With all this and more demanding our attention, less-pressing issues like “thank-you’s” and sentiments can easily be pushed to the back-burner. These tasks, however, are perhaps the most important that seniors can accomplish. So, among all the hustle-and-bustle, take a few minutes of gratitude for this stage of life. Before you move on to the next, I hope this simple Checklist for High School Seniors helps you out!
1. Thank all the people in your life who’ve made an impact.
This is your time to thank the teachers, friends, and mentors who’ve contributed to your journey so far. Whether it’s with a card, handmade gift, or simple hug, take an intentional moment to let them know you appreciate them. If you were especially close to them, be real and honest about their positive role in your life (a little sentiment is okay around senior season). They’ll be able to tell you’re sincere. Although it may sound like another tedious task, it’s so worth it to leave this chapter with gratitude and good impressions.
Some cards that I made & mailed in my senior year! I’ve also purchased cards and even decorated index cards to give away! Whether you buy or make gifts/cards, it’s the words and sentiment that count. Trust me, small efforts like these are worth the little bit of time!
2. Print. Those. Pictures.
I implore you, don’t put this task off any longer! I totally understand how easy it is to procrastinate on – or simply forget – printing orders. As the senior “feels” and new chapter uncertainty hits, however, you’ll be glad you did it. Print those pics for your dorm room, finish those scrapbooks, or put those wallet-sizes within reach. The point is to keep those memories visible. Life is unsettling enough with all these big transitions; a little taste of home will go a long way in the months (and years) to come.
3. Write down those family recipes.
Even if you don’t take the book to college with you, keep those favorite recipes written down somewhere safe. You’ll be so glad you have them later. Plus, who doesn’t like a keepsake of home to call your own?
Etsy has some ADORABLE fill-in recipe books! If you don’t already have a cookbook to use, check out some of these options. (DISCLAIMER: Not sponsored by Etsy).
4. Wrap up any major projects that will be important to you in 5 years.
The projects don’t have to be of major significance or even practical; they just have to mean something to you! If the project will hold significance to you in 5 years, take the time now to finish it. Chances are, you’ll be crazy busy over the next few years as your independent life picks up. Projects like these often fall by the wayside, especially if they don’t provide monetary income. Dedicate the extra time that you have now to preserving those special memories. They’ll not only last for years to come, but will make you proud to look back on and to show others.
For me, these projects included 4-H scrapbooks, hanging pictures in my room at home, etc. My finished scrapbooks, documenting 9 years of 4-H membership, now sit proudly in my room and will be displayed in my future home. I still look back on them when I come home from college! I assure you, the time was not wasted.
5. Write a Purpose Statement.
This is such a critical step that I have an entire blog post about it in the works (keep an eye out for it in my latest Articles!). While I won’t delve into all the details here, it’s still important to include in your checklist for high school seniors. Simply put, write down your personal reasons for pursuing the goal / life path you’re working toward.
“Why did I choose to go to college?”
“What’s my goal with this degree/trade?”
“Why am I making this major decision?”
These are your essential questions that truly determine the next few years of your life. Even if your entire career path changes, go with it! Write an updated purpose statement that can keep you focused and grounded when hard work makes the path lose its charm.
6. Have that one last cry.
No one enjoys talking about this step (it makes me nearly tear up to think about it!). Yet, it’s so important to get the full senior experience. Before you all walk out those doors for the last time, find your fellow seniors. Allow yourselves to feel everything that comes with this season. Everything that you’ve pushed down due to nonstop deadlines, hectic finalities, or simple reluctance to accept the inevitable – feel it with your friends who are right there with you. After you’ve taken a pause for closure, focus again on going out and conquering the world before you.
“Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.”
As you tie up loose ends, enjoy returning the smiles of people in your life who’ve invested in you throughout the years. Not only will you feel good about how you’ve left things, but you’ll be setting yourself up for success in this new season. It’s more than another checklist for high school seniors; it’s a right foot in the door of gratitude and excitement!
Anyone else relate to the EXTREME satisfaction of checking off physical boxes? If that’s you too, check out my printable checklist version of these senior to-do’s! #BuildWithBethany
