Dear Abby,

I am about to finish up my Senior year in high school this May! I am so excited to get out of my parents' house and get out in the real world! I am just debating on whether I want to go to college right away or take a year off.  I am going to college regardless, but I am wiped from going to school for 13 years straight and I feel like I need a break. What do you suggest?

High School Grad in Reedsville

Dear High School Grad,

Well, congratulations on getting this far, but honestly, keep going. DO NOT TAKE A BREAK. Everyone is different, but coming from the people I know that have taken a break sometime in their college career, they either have a really hard time getting back in the swing of things or they just don't go back. You might as well keep going while you're on a roll, it's what I did, and I feel that if I would have taken a break, I would have never gone back. If you don't go to college right away, be prepared to get a full time job right away because if you're getting out of your parents' house, you're going to have to get your own apartment and pay rent and utilities. Not to mention cable, groceries, and whatever you need to survive. If you go to college, you can get financial aid to help you with all of that. Growing up is very fun, but a price comes with it.  Good luck with everything!

Bonus Keyword: break