Senior year of high school is most often hailed as the culmination of a long educational journey marked by many milestones such as prom, graduation, and the prospect of heading off to college or the workforce. However, for many seniors like myself, this stage in our lives is filled with many uncertainties as we embark on a journey over a bridge into the unknown.
College Admissions
A significant uncertainty that seniors face is the college admissions process. A pivotal moment in a student’s life the college admissions process is a journey filled with excitement, challenges, and decisions that will shape your future. Oftentimes the most worrisome questions arise such as: Will I get into my dream school? Will I get financial aid? Can I even afford college? The hardest part about this entire process is the possibility of being rejected.
Academics
A common misconception about senior year is that it is trouble-free and painless year academics wise. In reality, senior year for many is their grind year. With AP exams, SAT’s, and overall final grades, seniors have to put their all into their work. The pressure of maintaining good grades can be stressful. Oftentimes seniors wonder if they are going to meet their academic goals or how their grades will affect their futures. Balancing our academic workload with the desire to savor every moment of senior year can be a real struggle. Half way through senior year, maybe even before then, many students develop what we call the phenomenon “senioritis” or the anticipation of being done with high school. This often can show through our academic performance tempting us to slack off as the end of high school approaches.
Friendships
As stated previously, senior year is a vital time in our lives, and one of its most cherished aspects is the friendships that we have built throughout high school. Some friendships may strengthen as we prepare to part ways, or can even begin to fade. These shifts can lead to emotional uncertainties, but are, unfortunately, part of growing up.
Leaving Home
Leaving home whether it’s to attend college or to go to the workforce can often be emotionally charged. Not to mention the option of leaving home and going into the military. While this transition can be filled with exciting new opportunities and the promise of newfound independence, seniors can question if they are prepared to venture and be on their own. They can often wonder if they are ready for this new level of responsibility.
From the Perspective of a Senior
As I stand here on the threshold of my senior year, I cannot help but feel a whirlwind of emotions. This of course is a year full of anticipation, nostalgia, and a sense of finality. After three years of high school along with three years of middle school and five years of elementary school, the senior year has arrived, and with it comes a unique blend of uncertainties. Even though this school year is just beginning, I often crave the feeling of security. The security of my future. The future is a scary thing, and I already struggle with adapting to change in my life. I wish that I could keep a close bond with my friends, but they’re leaving. We are all going our separate ways. I struggle with the thought of being on my own, and being away from my parents yet I yearn for independence. I know I want to go to college, but I don’t know which one. I know I want to get a degree in forensic science but will that change? I know that I want to leave Modesto, but do I really? I know what I want to do with my life…or at least I think I do. I guess the point I am trying to make is that I don’t know what my future holds; none of us do…but is that a bad thing? After all, we are still only kids. The unknowns that lie ahead are what makes our futures even more exciting.
