As the second quarter starts, seniors find themselves at a unique crossroad.
This pivotal moment is marked by a mix of excitement, anxiety and nostalgia as students navigate the final stretch of their high school journey.
For many, the transition into senior year has been both exhilarating and daunting.
The weight of impending adulthood looms large, and with it comes the pressure to make critical decisions about the future. College applications, scholarships and the looming reality of life beyond high school can create palpable tension among students.
“I think my biggest challenge is keeping up with my outside of school commitments and college applications alongside schoolwork,” senior Luci Klingensmith said.
Klingensmith describes herself as a “naturally busy person” but makes it a priority to ground herself to help refocus on what is important in the moment. This helps keep her passion for all the things she does at the forefront and avoid burnout.
Yet, this quarter has also been a time of celebration. Homecoming festivities, pep rallies and a series of memorable events have allowed students to bond and create lasting memories.
As the student council vice president, I am heavily involved in the planning and enjoying of these events. For me, I find these experiences to be a reminder that all the hard work I have dedicated to my education and activities is worth it.
Academically, the first quarter is often a mixed bag.
For some, the weight of coursework has intensified; AP classes, required essays and exam preparation require a level of focus and dedication that can be overwhelming.
“A lot of people told me that junior year would be the hardest, but I think senior year is,” senior Olivia Swarthout said. “I think it’s a mix of senioritis, hard classes, keeping up with extracurriculars […] and just trying to wake up and drag ourselves to school.”
Others, like me, have shortened schedules due to already having fulfilled their graduation requirements and finally get to see their hard work pay off.
Once those requirements are met, many are using the extra room in their schedule as an opportunity to explore passions with elective classes.
Senioritis, a decrease in motivation afflicted upon students in their last year of school, is creeping up as the weather becomes colder and the blankets become cozier. Mornings become daunting as the struggle to get out of our warm beds and brace the chilling day becomes heavier.
“I feel like most seniors feel like this or will eventually,” senior Grace Andrews said. “I don’t think most of us are handling it well.”
Senior year also brings a renewed sense of camaraderie. Many students are forging stronger connections with peers, realizing that these relationships are valuable.
As the quarter was wrapping up, seniors began to shift their focus toward the future. College visits are becoming more frequent, and discussions about majors and career paths are now commonplace.
With the first quarter behind us, many students are taking time to reflect on their high school journey.
Memories of laughing in the hallways, late-night study sessions and the support of teachers and friends are becoming cherished snapshots of a life that is soon to change.
As the leaves turn colors and the school year progresses, seniors are learning that this year is not just about endings but also about beginnings.
The journey may be filled with uncertainty, but it is also a time for growth, self-discovery and the forging of bonds that will last a lifetime.
The first quarter may be over, but the excitement and challenges of senior year are just beginning.