No Fear of Senior Year

Senior year marks a significant milestone. It’s a time of reflection on past achievements and anticipation for the future. As a final chapter of high school, senior years brings a unique feeling of excitement and nostalgia, filled with memorable events like prom, graduation, and bittersweet farewells to friends. Our senior year isn’t just about academic accomplishment; it’s also about personal growth and preparing for next step in life, whether that be college, a career, or other adventures.

According to Ally Caho’s article “A piece of senior advice,” she says that your senior year goes by so quickly and that every year you hear the seniors say that, but you never realize how true it is until it’s you. The mere 10 months as a senior are so filled with fun that it’s hard to slow down and reflect.

“In my opinion, senior year came unexpectedly fast. I wouldn’t say I’m afraid, but I definitely have my worries here and there. If I could say anything to my past self, I would say to take things more seriously. Even if you can’t see the end goal, keep working hard because you will thank yourself later,” Senior Myami Blake said.

“I was just a freshman, and now I’m literally a senior; this is so crazy,” Senior Katya Mowli  said.

With all the activities, events, and preparations for the future, the time seems to fly. Many students find themselves busy with college applications, senior projects, and making the most of their last year with friends. Before you know it, graduation day is here! In addition, senior year highlights the importance of balancing responsibilities while enjoying the fun aspects of high school.

Furthermore, senior year does come with its obstacles. Students start to experience pressure with their academics and applying to colleges. The work-load can be overwhelming for some especially with those who have taken on the role of having advanced or honor classes.  Senior year tends to have an emotional effect, as well, due to the fact that students have to make major life decisions about their future.

“Juggling honors is honestly frustrating; trying to find the time between doing homework and studying really takes a lot out of me” Senior Nevaeh Rocha said.

In relation to that, The Round Table’s “Advice for seniors: how your last year of high school should be spent” reflects how many seniors are already so “over” school because of all the stressful factors.

Another reason why students might feel burnt out is because some of them are involved in extracurricular activities, sports, and part-time jobs, which can further strain their time and energy.

“I am so exhausted from school and then having to go to work after is so tiring,” Senior Savanna Callahan said.

Stated by Fuller Youth Institute’s “From teen to adult: Two ways to help high school seniors transition to young adulthood” there are distinct markers separating youth and adulthood in seniors from graduation to their first day of college. 

Along with the fact that transitioning from a high school graduate to a younger adult is scary for some, starting college, a new job, or being in a new environment comes with a lot of changes as you navigate your newfound independence, regardless.

“Honestly, I don’t know what I want to do after high school, and I’m kinda scared because I feel like everybody knows what they want to do, and I’m just confused,” Senior Katy Madril said.

Lastly, reaching the pinnacle of your senior year truly shows the hard work and dedication that we’ve put into all these years. We get to experience the last of everything before moving on. We will create memories with people that we will cherish forever. Senior year marks the end of our journey and the beginning of another. You are going to have a whirlwind of emotions from celebrating achievements to saying goodbye to familiar faces and routines. Just remember to have fun for your last ride in high school.