Ever since Winter Break ended, one thing has been on my mind: Senior Spring Break. Don’t even lie; I know you’ve all been thinking about it, too. From the sunny destinations to the fantastic company to the needed shopping trips to fulfill packing lists, spring break is a big last hurrah during the school year, with the exception of prom, especially for seniors. But before you and I begin to daydream about warm beaches and late nights, let’s go over what needs to be done before a flight out of the Minnesota tundra.

Seniors! Have you:

Thanked your teachers that wrote college application recommendation letters for you? Your teachers spent hours writing numerous compliments for you and your classmates. The least you could do is say thank you!

Signed up for your AP/IB tests? I’m sure Dr. Swanson will never fail to remind you, but please make sure you are registered.

Apply for scholarships? Make the burden of student loans and paying for college a little less. Make yourself a little happier. It’ll be a lot of work, but so worth it in the long run. Please—your parents (and your future self) will thank you.

Whether these tasks are arduous for you or not, I wish you all the best of luck. May we trudge on, out of the Minnesota winter and into the sunshine that resides on the beaches only two months away.