Senior year began with a bang, as all the kids who’s 8th grade year was cancelled due to covid, now find themselves in senior year of highschool. The “real world” now at their doorstep, facing all the responsibilities are now at the forefront of their mind.
Senior year has been stressful for students across the globe for years, however since the start of covid, it’s heavily been affected by the threat of anothr shutdown, after the class of 2020 had lost their entire senior year, forced to give up all their goals and ambitions of senior year.
Senior year has been at the forefront of the minds of the class of ‘24 since the world mourned the 2020 seniors last year of highschool being ruined. “It was so stressful, I”ve been worried all year something might happen!” Senior Kaylee Keo puts it. Seniors are faced with the responsibility of having to figure out where they want to be by the start of freshman year in college.
Work force, college, both, neither, what to decide, and when is on the minds of all seniors across America. With deadlines stacking up it’s hard to manage the stress of it all, and it’s important for seniors to know that teachers and counselors are in their corner, but most importantly fellow students and friends.
It’s important to keep in contact with trusted friends and allies, as stress can add up very quickly and be hard to manage by yourself, and there’s no shame in admitting that you need help in this. “My friends are the only reason I haven’t lost my mind, seriously-” senior Hira Rae adds, in relation to managing stress. They add, “they’ve seriously helped me so much, like I don’t feel insane anymore” Hira finishes, highlighting the importance of seeking advice and help.
Late October, early November deadlines are seniors first experience in managing a major deadline and making sure they meet it. This can be extremely stressful, as many seniors have no idea where they want to go for college and do for college. “I have no idea what I want to do with my life, let alone which college is the better one” Keo adds defeat by the mountain of stress she’s facing.
The stress of making early deadlines can prove to be very debilitating for students, as it can be easy to feel ashamed, and embarrassed that they don’t know what they want to do. “I feel like I should know it by now, but I don’t, and I’m stressed” Kaylee admits.
Many seniors struggle with time management, most seniors juggle school and work, and it’s hard to know what school events are worth going to, and when it’s an appropriate time to pick school over work, as it’s stressful saving up before the school year is over. It’s impossible to stay in contact with friends and family during this time and seek advice from people who know what it’s like
Juggling fees and the struggle of saving money is something all seniors are dealing with right now, which can make it seem impossible to move on and continue to figure things out. Many have families they can rely on, but not all have that luxury, and so the stress stays with students as they feel like they have to make up their mind, or they’ll fail not only the year, but themselves.
Seniors are preparing to start their own lives, but it’s important to remember to enjoy your senior year and take part in senior year activities that you have the opportunity to do so.
