by Reg Brittain

Created on: January 09, 2007   Last Updated: May 02, 2007

As it has been 18 years since I was age 18, I can tell you how to make your senior year fun, and how to look ahead to life after graduation day. Of course, I will not blame you for not listening. I thought most people in their thirties were "old" and out-of-touch, when I was your age.

Beyond Required Courses, Take What You Like

There is no question you will take the courses necessary to "walk" on graduation day. When deciding what else to take, I say follow your heart.

Your heart may tell you the stage is the place it feels full of life. Follow it!

If your heart says, "Take AP English for a head start on college," then that can be as much fun as other courses. You - not others - define what is fun for you.

Alternatively, if you are inclined to take an automotive repair class, do so! Perhaps, your class could modify an SUV to run on biodiesel.

Get out! Spend Time with Your Friends

Obviously, you will never again experience your final year of high school. I found the time bittersweet, and so worth experiencing! Keeping in touch after high school becomes more difficult by the year, so now is the time to make all the memories you can with your "BFF", and others.

Go to movies, the beach, on class trips, the big game, and - especially - the big dance. No matter who you are - whatever your "clique" - I say dances like the prom and homecoming are a must to attend because they will not come around in life again. You need no date really - just self-confidence and your favorite dressy clothes.

Take Time to Consider the Future

Part of the fun of senior year is anticipating what may follow. When doing so, the most important question for every young adult to ask is, "What do I want?"

Your life is yours alone. If you want to be a doctor, pursue that goal! If you dream of making pottery, chase that dream! If your parents want you to be a lawyer, but you want to follow another path, you must today say, "I choose my way!" (even if that means supporting yourself). No other solution will work.

Participate in Extracurricular Activities

Senior year should be all about making memories. As much as colleges like to see "extracurrics" - as my senior year girlfriend referred to activities outside of class - on your application, the most important reason to participate in such activities is self-fulfillment.

If you can act - or if you have simply wondered what putting on a play would be like - audition for your school's musical production. Even if you do not make the cast, you can work backstage,

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