Netflix; Priah Ferguson/Instagram Stranger Thingsstar Priah Ferguson celebrated her high school graduation with a sentimental Instagram post The actress opened up about balancing her career and her studies, saying it has helped "shape me into a well-rounded young woman" Ferguson plays Erica Sinclair onStranger Things, which returns for its fifth and final season later in 2025. Stranger Thingsstar Priah Ferguson is a high school graduate! The 18-year-old actress, who plays Erica Sinclair on the Netflix series, took toInstagramon Sunday, May 25, to celebrate the major life milestone and shared a sentimental message in the caption. "I did it!!!🎓" she began. "Most people are always surprised when they find out I've been in public school my whole life. The role that introduced me to the world was filmed right in my hometown—and I made a choice early on not to miss out on real world experiences just because of my career." Ferguson reflected on "balancing an adult career — on and off screen — while maintaining a GPA above the national average and still growing up," calling it "a unique journey." "As much as I've pushed myself to be great in my craft, I've also prioritized living a life that's real — one that's helped shape me into a well-rounded young woman," she continued. "So very grateful for my village of family, friends, educators, and every moment that's brought me here." The young actress concluded the post with a message to her fellow graduates, writing, "Class of 2025 — no matter your story, you made it!" Ferguson's post included a selfie video of her wearing her cap and gown in the car, her yearbook photo and a look inside her graduation ceremony — from her making a speech as the vice president of her senior class to the moment she received her diploma. "Although life has a way to often break us down, we must rise up to the realities of our destiny," she said in her speech. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Ferguson joinedStranger Thingsin season 2 as the equally snarky and lovable younger sister ofCaleb McLaughlin's Lucas Sinclair. Courtesy of Netflix Last August, Ferguson exclusivelyteased the show's series finaleas bringing the story to a close "in such an epic way." "This season in particular, the dynamic is great," she added. "It might get a little biggersweet because it may be our last time working together or seeing each other or just working on such a big show likeStranger Things." The series also starsMillie Bobby Brown,Finn Wolfhard,Noah Schnapp,Gaten Matarazzo, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Jamie Campbell Bower, Brett Gelman, Cara Buono,David HarbourandWinona Ryder. Linda Hamiltonhas alsojoined the castfor season 5. Stranger Thingsreturns for its fifth and final season later in 2025. All previous seasons are streaming on Netflix. Read the original article onPeople
