Stop as life passes you by

The stress of the college admissions process has seemed to be

overwhelming for my peers and I these past few months. From handing

out our recommendation letters to speedily filling out our early

decision applications, ever day seems to be filled with some type of

new stress to add to our never-ending list of things to do.

As I was freaking out about something or another the other day, I

realized how quickly high school has gone by and the thought of

having my senior year go by in a flash saddened me.

I came to the conclusion that instead of spending our final

moments of high school being stressed and exhausted by what awaits us

next year, we should just relax and enjoy every moment we have

appreciating all the plusses of being in high school. We will never

again get to pile into each others cars, music blaring, driving

aimlessly around trying to find something to do each weekend, or race

our peers out to lunch each afternoon, all having that same feeling

of familiarity.

Although many may already have “senioritis,” don’t be so quick to

want to leave, because college won’t only be fun and games. Once we

leave the protected surroundings of our schools, we’re off to the

real world, beginning a new chapter in our lives.

So if you’re just itching to get out, or your friends who you’ve

known practically your whole lives, are getting on you nerves,

remember all the memories you have had and the comfort you have found

in going to school each day.

Although the thought of college is something exciting to think

about and scary at the same time, concentrate on “now” and cherish

each and every moment of being with your friends and feeling that

sense of security.

Before you know it, we’ll be receiving our diplomas and wishing we

could go back in time.

* LAUREN LOEB is a Corona del Mar High School senior whose

columns will appear occasionally in the Forum section.