Frequently spotted wearing various shades of orange or filling the hallways with screams (yes, screams) of enthusiasm, shouting the phrase “one more year,” Air Academy High School’s senior class of 2019 has definitely made their mark, going down in AAHS history as an intellectual, but free-spirited group of now young-adults.

With only days left until graduation, AAHS staff has given their advice to graduating seniors–whether they are attending college, joining the military, entering the workforce or even taking a gap year–to give seniors their own taste of triumph, and hopefully, words to remember in the future.

Spanish teacher Marisa Farro said, “People will be happier if they follow their dreams. It doesn’t matter what kind of money is gained or whether you are good or bad at whatever you choose to do in life. Just follow your dreams.”

Farro’s sweet words gives students insight on whatever path they take. It doesn’t matter what students hope to do in life, so long as they enjoy it. (Unless, of course, a person wants to rob a bank. In that case, they should probably rethink their life choices.)

“Be practical and do something good for other people because it is always going to pay,” said science teacher Scott Newell.

Newell’s pragmatic advice gives students a dose of reality, while also mentioning the importance of service to others. Selflessness is an important trait, that will surely lead graduating seniors far in life.

AFJROTC Colonel Robert Huber kept his advice simple:

“Be a reader,” Huber stated.

With a unique meaning for each person, seniors can take Huber’s perceptive advice in several different ways.

History teacher David Meisinger gave students powerful advice to live an optimal life while they are young, because one day they won’t be as unrestrained to do what they desire.

“Enjoy being young, because eventually you will be paying taxes, and maybe even living with a family. Don’t wish your lives away; enjoy them and don’t grow up too fast,” he said.

Math teacher David English’s advice is straightforward, but meaningful.

“Enjoy the journey,” said English.

There is a popular saying that goes something along the lines of “these will be the best four years of your lives.” Throughout high school seniors have experienced everything: the good, the bad, and, unquestionably, the ugly. However, each individual experience has led up to making graduation possible, and defining the character of every single senior.

It is truly important for seniors to remember this chapter of their lives, and to grow from it.

The next steps in life define what kind of person each senior will become, and what kind of life they will be living, so they should make the most of each step, but also take each stride carefully.

In the words of Steve Jobs, “Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

Congratulations to the class of 2019.