Growing up is great.

Really, it is.

And I am completely not being sarcastic, either.

It is so crazy that in a few short years we will all be on our own, leading our own lives, and making decisions that will forever be with us.

I spend so much of my time planning on what I will do in college, where I will travel, what my career will be, but I never really take time to realize that sooner than I know, high school will be over, and real life will start.

Although I cannot wait for that day, it also scares the crap out of me.

But as of today I have decided to treat every day as an adventure.

And trust me, it's hard to do this when you are in WASL week. Standardized testing can do some crazy things to the brain...

Seriously, though, life is so exciting.

We are all so young. We have 70...80... heck even 90 years left of life, and we are just starting.

Some of us could be millionaires, movie stars, peace activists, authors, or life-saving surgeons. 

It is really completely up to us. I don't know about you, but I want the best life I can possibly lead. And even though it seems like you have the worst life, just remember, no one can technically stop you from reaching your goals. 

Right now I have no clue where life will take me, but I know it will involve travel. Lots and lots of travel.

It's just this feeling inside I get where I know I need to travel the world.

I know what I want to do with the rest of my life has to do with the rest of the world.

Backpacking, traveling abroad, semesters at sea... you name it, I want to do it.

It's just nice knowing no matter what I do, I'm gonna make something out of my life.

But I am starting to realize how important a hometown is, and how great my family and friends and home are.

Battle Ground may be getting bigger, but it was defiantly my very first hometown. After moving 11 times, it's nice to have someplace where I know everyone.

SCUBA diving is another thing I just want to do with my life.

I have been looking at marine biology schools, and scuba places and it just works for my life.

I also love that my parents are supportive of my big plans.

So, on that note, I hope you all do what you want in life. There are so many opportunities available to us, and you can't just let them pass by. Think of your biggest dream, and go for it.

Seriously, it may sound corny, but you are going to regret not living it up.

So what if you take a year to go backpacking in Europe, and come back broke? At least you will have great memories.

Do what you want and what feels right.

Watch out world, the new generation is coming in.