Katy blogged for ACT during her senior year of high school in Mobile, Alabama. She attended college at St. Louis University where she majored in English and creative and professional writing. Katy spent a year as a freelance writer after a brief internship at a non-denominational publishing house before moving to Washington D.C.

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A native Californian, David graduated from high school in 2008. He attends college in Salt Lake City where he enjoys the relaxed pace of life, the nice people, and the great snow for snowboarding. He is active on the art scene and is considering a major in arts administration.

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Yes! I’m finally done. My classes ended on Friday, but I don’t graduate until the end of June. The last two weeks of school — as I predicted — flew by. This month has been a time of so many “lasts”; it is definitely sad. I loved high school, but I know it is time to move on.

My last band concerts went very well. I enjoyed speaking at the banquet and thanking our teachers. At our last student council meeting, the officers gave brief speeches to all the members. We presented each other with gifts and pictures. Leaving the empty lecture hall that morning was very sad for me. Student council was the club I was most involved in throughout high school, and it was hard to say goodbye.

Senior prom was a blast. It was such a nice day. Before prom, I spent the day at the senior picnic with my friends, looking through the yearbook and looking back on the year. Then I rushed home to get ready for pictures and a fun-filled evening. At prom, I enjoyed spending time with my friends and my boyfriend and dancing all night. After prom, we took the limo to post prom, a drug- and alcohol-free, school-sponsored event. It had a carnival theme, so everyone enjoyed playing games, seeing a magician, taking pictures, and winning fabulous prizes. I won a local arcade gift certificate; I know my friends and I will enjoy using that this summer.

For my birthday, my friends brought tons of food and baked goods to school. One of my friends ordered a cake with a Jonas Brothers picture on it for our National Honor Society Picnic. It was awesome! The day after my birthday was the senior awards ceremony. It was nice to come together as a class and recognize each other’s achievements, not to mention win scholarship money for college.

The last week of school was senior spirit week. It was one of the most fun weeks I’ve ever had in school. We played games, signed yearbooks, and reminisced about the past four years. Tons of seniors played small pranks. I even got to jump out the rescue window! On the last day of school, it was sad saying goodbye to all the teachers and underclassmen. It was not as bad knowing that I would see the seniors throughout the summer and at graduation. It was almost a surreal experience cleaning out my locker and then walking out of the building as a student for the last time.

We capped off the day with a carnival. The bouncy houses, band, and obstacle course made the end of the day a definite celebration. This past Saturday, our Latin club had its annual picnic. This was another opportunity to say goodbye to everybody and have fun.

Right now I have two weeks until graduation. I’m planning on relaxing, swimming, practicing my speech for graduation, and taking my online college placement exams. Make sure you stay on top of your college’s requirements and pay close attention to deadlines. Until next time, enjoy summer!

Our podcast series “What I’ve Learned Since High School” where former ACT bloggers share their experiences in college and careers is available starting June 17, 2009. The eight-part summer series is designed to help high school students and their parents plan for the future by sharing in the experiences of students who have already made the transition to college and career. Podcasts will post on Wednesdays on a weekly basis for the next eight weeks.

Adam, Chris, David, Diane, Katy, Maria, Mary Ann and Rachael are all former ACT student bloggers. Since posting their last entries, all have gone on to college. Some are still students, one is pursuing a graduate degree, and some are now working full-time. All have unique experiences to share.

Born and raised in Cuba, Maria and her family moved to Miami, Florida when she was 14 years old. She attended a large public high school. While very involved in extracurricular activities, she also founded an organization to help other immigrants get admitted into top universities. After graduating in 2006, Maria now attends Harvard where she majors in history with a minor in Economics.  She is minority coordinator for the Harvard admissions office.

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And we’ve finally made it! We’re officially “Class of 2009” alumni of our respective schools. Although many of us thought the day would never get here, the end is here and it brings a new, exciting beginning. Walking through the halls of Frenship High School for the last time as a student was very refreshing. I was able to recall countless memories that I will take with me from high school; now I’ll focus on new goals and aspirations that I have set for myself.

The past few weeks or so have all flown by so rapidly. Our baseball season ended in a tough 5-6 game that went into extra innings. Personally, I was disappointed because I didn’t perform well and didn’t step up when my team needed me. The frustration lasted a few days, but I must say I did enjoy the extra free time to spend with some of my long- time friends from school before we graduated and went our separate ways. Graduation parties have been a lot of fun — just hanging out, spending time swimming, attempting to learn a new dance, and playing ultimate Frisbee have been a relaxing way to end a year of hard work.

On Sunday, May 31, our graduation ceremony arrived. It was very lengthy and, I must admit, rehearsal was a less than enjoyable experience. There were more than 325 of us, and we had to practice going through each of our names the correct and proper way.  However, during the official ceremony, I paid more attention to all of my fellow classmates, many of whom I won’t see for another 10 years! Our final time together was the evening of graduation at our school event called project graduation, held at the Texas Tech University Recreation Center.

This tradition began several years ago as an alternative for students to spend an evening together in a safe and drug-free environment. The night was an absolute blast! Some of our activities included basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, racquetball, blow-up jumping games and mazes, a rock wall, swimming, and literally hundreds of fantastic door prizes — everyone left with something! It was another amazing memory I will take with me to college.

Speaking of college, it’s a whole lot more work to get prepared for college than just applying and being accepted. I was actually quite surprised at all that goes into the process. Filling out scholarship applications is obviously the biggest one. Also, a housing request, medical forms, financial aid application, freshman orientation, and various other forms must be completed. I believe I have already turned in the majority of my forms and have even received my fall schedule. Biology is now my officially declared major. Ironically, I was going through some old worksheets from my freshman year (yes, I had all my papers from high school and even junior high) and I found one where I “declared” on the bottom, “I stink at biology!” With my growing interest in pharmacy or some medical field, I now enjoy biology much more than I used to. As I’ve mentioned in prior blogs, I have approximately 30 college credit hours. None of them are in the sciences, however. So this fall I have a chemistry class and lab, biology class and lab, and a natural science class. While a degree is not necessary to be accepted into pharmacy school, I would really like the background, and it looks good on applications. The more I’m around a hospital setting through my pharmacy clinicals, the more I think about other medical professions, such as radiology. I’ve still got several years ahead of me to make my decision though.

Firstborns are typically the guinea pigs for the parents to “figure out” how the parenting thing goes, so the prospect of moving off to college and the increased responsibility is new to all of my family. While we have had a few typical arguments and disagreements, my parents really have done a wonderful job, and I’m thankful to have their love and support. As we get accustomed to me being in college and getting older, I’m sure we’ll have more disagreements, but I will always respect their opinions.

Looking back at my four years of high school, I have experienced so many new and thrilling things. I was privileged enough to be on the Varsity football team for three years with an overall record of 35-7. I played basketball my freshman year, and I had a couple of successful seasons on the Varsity baseball team. Academically, I competed in Future Problem Solvers (FPS), UIL Accounting, and Pharmacology through Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA). I spent a year in theater, media, and cooking to broaden my experiences. I was in the top 10 of my class every year. I had a girlfriend for almost a year and a half. At our church camp, I have been a counselor and enjoyed working with the kids and peers at church. I got my first vehicle, a 1998 Chevy truck, which belonged to my granddad until he passed away a couple of years ago.  I was very fortunate to be chosen for the position as one of two national ACT bloggers for the 2008-2009 school year. As a senior, I was nominated to Homecoming Court and Prom Court and chosen “Best Person to Take Home to Parents.” I have made hundreds of new friends and built close relationships with them, and I have received the guidance of many coaches and teachers who I thoroughly respect. It has truly been a wonderful experience!

Thank you so very much to all of my friends, family, teachers, and other adults who helped me along the way. Your influence has been much appreciated, and I couldn’t have done it without you. Also, thank you to Ms. Dana Engelbert, Mr. Scott Gomer, and Ms. Nancy Owen from ACT who have so patiently helped me through this blogging process. You were extremely helpful and kind and I thank you again. To other students who are in high school or will be within a few years, I encourage you to take full advantage of every opportunity you are given. This quote may be cliché, but it’s very relevant, “Carpe diem” or “Seize the day.” Make the most of every chance you get to experience something new while you are in high school. Don’t dwell on events of the past or worry about events in the future, but enjoy each day that you are blessed with and make the most of it! To everyone, good luck and God bless!

Eight. Eight days left of school. I almost cannot believe it. The number rings in every senior’s ears just like the bells at the end of each class. Everybody always told me that senior year goes by quickly, but I didn’t realize how fast it would actually go. After just getting back from a Coldplay concert, I would say that it has flown by “at the speed of sound.”

This week, I have my final (once and for all) band concert, which is a spectrum concert of all grades’ bands in my district. I finally get to turn in my band dress, which everyone dreads wearing for every concert. I have my final student council meeting, which is definitely going to be bittersweet. There is also the band banquet this week, where all members and their parents gather for dinner, awards, and celebration. I’m looking forward to these events because I am making speeches at them to thank our teachers and reflect on the year.

Speaking of speeches, I have to write my speech for graduation. As Salutatorian, I will welcome everybody to the commencement. I’ve been asked by the school administration to focus on success and self-motivation.

Tomorrow is a special day for seniors.  In all freshman English classes, students made time capsules to be kept with their teacher until senior year. Well, tomorrow is the day that we can finally open them. I don’t remember everything I put in it, but I know it has letters from friends and family, a CD mix of my favorite songs, and possibly a Beanie Baby.  It will be fun to see my freshman-year class and reminisce about the good old days.

Also this week, prom has finally arrived. Almost everything is planned. I have my dress, I ordered the boutonniere, and I have a hair appointment. I am excited for the pictures, limo, dancing, and post prom, an event our school holds till the wee hours of the morning. This Friday — the day of prom — is senior skip day. Instead of coming to school, seniors have a picnic at the town park, where we get our yearbooks. I can’t wait for all of these final celebrations. To continue with the celebrations, my eighteenth birthday is next week. I am so excited!! I am also happy that my sister is home for it.  I am in for a fun two weeks!

I hope all of you seniors are enjoying your last days of high school. Today I tried to talk to people in my grade that I have never spoken to before. It was strange to think that I have been with these people for four years and never had a conversation with them. I hope that all of you will consider doing the same in your class. I think it brings your graduating class (however large or small) closer together.

The countdown of days has now reached single digits — 9. After next week’s classes, we will have the following Monday off, and the rest of that week is finals. It is so hard to believe that the end is finally near. It seems like just yesterday we were in early April talking about graduation and end of the year activities. Now they’re here. These last few months have absolutely flown by.

Prom, which took place two weekends ago, was a lot of fun! It was held on the campus of Texas Tech University. My date and I were on prom court, although neither of us won. Along with a large group of our friends, we went to a nice steak restaurant before the prom and then had fun watching movies afterwards. It hit me — for the first time — that I don’t have much time left with my high school friends. We’ve been going to school together for many years, but we’re about to go our separate ways. It was a bit sad, but I know I’ll stay in touch with my really close friends. Although the college I will attend is in my hometown, I will be living in the dorm. Several of my friends will be going away to school.

Baseball has maintained a constant grasp on my life, even with the two-week layoff, due to the swine flu. However, we are now back on schedule. During the “break,” we had several intersquad games. The “Pinstripes” played the “Grays” in the inaugural Swine Series, and my team, the “Grays,” won the series 3 games to 2. Our guys had a blast competing with each other and making each other better. It showed during our first playoff series. We won the first game 11-4 and the second 10-5 to move on to the second round. Our next game is Tuesday against a team from El Paso. I think our team has the potential to make a deep run if we stay focused and work together.

I mentioned that finals are in a couple of weeks, but I have actually completed my coursework. The finals I needed to take were all for dual credit courses and the college needed those grades earlier. When I receive my diploma in two weeks on May 31, I will have approximately 30 college hours.

For that last week, I will only have to go to school for a couple of hours a day before I’m eligible to leave. We have blocked scheduling (four classes every other day) and on one of my days, I have had just one class for a couple of weeks. On Monday, I will be receiving a meningitis vaccine at a clinic at our school, which is recommended for seniors who will be attending college or joining the military.

Graduation presents are starting to come in with a steady flow. It is nice to be thanked for the completion of school. For all of you seniors, make sure to send people thank-you notes if they get you something. I actually sent little letters in my graduation announcements to many people simply saying thanks for their influence in my life for the past 18 years.

Well, we are almost there! Continue to do your best throughout the last few weeks, and it will be over before you know it. As my parents have always encouraged me . . . finish strong!! I hope you all have a blessed week!

I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders: I finished my last test this afternoon. I’m so happy to be finished with all my testing this year. The end of testing means spending time outside in classes, playing Frisbee and Kan Jam (a game played with Frisbees and two cans). I’m really enjoying spending time with my friends and having fun in school. After a long four years filled with so much work, we finally can take a well-deserved break.

Even though the years of work seem long, I cannot believe that I am graduating in a month. It feels like this year went by so quickly, especially in student council, where we are starting to reflect on the year’s events. I still remember our first meeting and how cool it felt to be a senior. Speaking of being a senior and feeling cool, I have a few final projects for my work with the School Improvement Team. As a previous leader of orientation, I am going to different schools to learn about their freshman orientation programs to see if our school might want to adopt some of them. Also, the superintendent of our school district asked a few students to conduct a survey of our classes to see what people want in a principal, because our principal is retiring this year. So I am definitely keeping busy.

In the past week, National Honor Society and student council held our annual Senior Citizen’s Prom, which is an event where we invite all the senior citizens in our area for a night of eating and dancing. Speaking of prom, I still need to get a dress! Planning for prom is still going on, both on a large scale and small scale: getting the music list together in student council, making the limo list, and planning post prom with my group of friends.

Also last week, I attended my first official Harvard event. It was a reception and dinner with all alumni in my region. I really enjoyed meeting all the interesting people and also the admitted students.

Currently, I am at Bucknell University for my sister’s graduation. I’m so proud of all her accomplishments. I’m also excited because she is going to be living near me next year! It is strange to think that this is the last time I am going to be at Bucknell, and the next graduation my family attends will be my high school graduation, and then my college graduation. But anyway, I better get some sleep. Studying has taken the place of sleep for the past couple weeks and I need to catch up in order to fully enjoy the celebrations of this weekend.

Congrats seniors! If you’re a senior too, you probably have accepted a college’s offer of admission. Your four years of high school are coming to a close, and you are ready to begin your life as an adult. At least in theory anyway . . .

After much deliberation, I decided I am going to attend Harvard University. After spending time on campus for the accepted students’ weekend, not only did I come away with a bunch of Harvard clothing and merchandise, I realized I felt comfortable there, which was most important to me when choosing a college. After coming home after a fun-filled weekend, I enrolled in the class of 2013 online. Then I registered for the college email and set up an account. Other things to do before arriving on campus include completing pre-orientation programs, housing surveys, and advising forms. I also have to decide if I want a Mac or PC for school next year. If you are thinking about getting a laptop, you should first check with your school to see if they sell them. I think it’s more practical because if, during the year, your computer breaks, you can get it fixed by the school or get a loaner.

Right now, I’m in the midst of testing. All of this testing has taught me to go into tests with a positive attitude. After all, they’re just tests. You can think about all the students taking the exam who are nervous, just like you. I try to have this mindset before every exam, no matter what test it is.

Even though I am technically finished with school after next week, I still have a month of school left. I’m excited to have fun in relaxed classes instead of cramming before a test. Right now, because my school requires 32 hours of community service, seniors are scrambling trying to get hours in and approved. I want to have 100 hours of service to get a distinction on my diploma, so I have a bit more to go. I also have a couple more hours to complete for National Honor Society.

In the upcoming month are final meetings for clubs, Senior Prom, my sister’s graduation from Bucknell University, my birthday, and my graduation. It’s going to be a busy month of all fun events, so I’m looking forward to ending this school year with a bang.