Wow. That was fast. Seven semesters ago, we were quiet, timid freshmen trying to navigate our way to math class. Now, we’re loud, outspoken seniors trying to navigate our way out of math class. Oh, how the tables have turned!

And the times just seem to keep changing. As the bombardment of questions regarding my future increase, the reality of it all sets in more and more. We’re only one semester away from leaving behind all the friends, coaches and teachers we’ve grown so fond of in the past four years.

However, being so close to the end inspires me to make the most of my final days of high school. While I’m pretty satisfied with my experiences so far, there are still some lingering things that I hope to do before I head off into the real world.

As we enter this new saga filled with in-class naps, tardies and an all around severe case of senioritis, we must remember to use this time wisely. With only four months left, it’s time for a bucket list.

1. Take a pillow-blanket nap in the middle of the hallway. Now, this may sound absurd, but legend has it that some genius (who shall not be named) managed to hide a pillow and blanket in the ceiling tiles somewhere in the school. Every other day during their SRT they would come to a secluded hallway and take a nap on the floor.

I don’t know about you, but I could definitely use a nice, comfortable nap like this every once in awhile. Completely inspired by this random act of highschoolery, I hope to one day replicate this feat before I cross the stage in June.

2. Finish a book for English without any Sparknotes. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I’ve never read a book for English. It’s just been a really long time since I’ve read the entire thing on my own. Often distracted by the dynamic duo, my phone and procrastination, I succumb to the guilty pleasure of Sparknotes.

Now that I’m heading off to college, it would probably be wise to get into some good, I mean better, work habits. Maybe I might actually learn something!

3. Get a glimpse inside the Faculty Cafeteria. Yes, in case you didn’t know, there is a Faculty Cafeteria. If you face the wall next to the taco station in the West Cafe, you may notice that there is another room directly behind it. This land, designated for the exclusive elite, has been a subject of mysterious curiosity throughout my years in high school.

Do they have better food? Are the prices cheaper? Are the trays made of gold? These are questions that can only be answered by entry into the sacred space.

4. Participate as much as I can in school events and activities. Some of the most fun I have had in high school has been through extracurricular activities. However, because of school work, I have been more cautious in my participation. But now I’m a second semester senior!

My lack-of-care levels are through the roof right now, and it’s time to have some fun. Before the year ends, I plan on participating in one last athletic program here at South (something I haven’t done since early junior year). I definitely don’t plan on doing athletics in college, so this is the final chance to take hold of the opportunity presented to us in high school.

I think it is important to remember that high school is high school. I’m all for studying and working hard for good grades, no doubt, but I try to keep in mind that it’s not everything. I hope to have fun and enjoy the best time of my life because it isn’t going to last forever.

5. Reconnect with old friends and strengthen current friendships. Speaking of lasting forever, something that has become very clear to me is that most friends we have in high school will not be our friends in five years. With everyone going their separate ways and life getting so busy, it’s often easy for friendships to fade away. For this reason, I hope to strengthen my closest relationships to create something long lasting.

Doing stuff together is how memories are made. Instead of sitting around on our phones at someone’s house, I want to go out and do stuff! Whether it be going to get food at some place we always go or doing something completely wacky and random, I hope to continue to build long lasting memories with my close buddies.