by Comet Ziemer
Being a Senior in high school is something that is so hyped in American society. You’ve heard all of the things about Seniors. They’re cool with all the teachers. They drive wherever they want. They live the dream teenage life before going to college. Well as a freshly minted senior who will be graduating in 2024, I can say with confidence that for me at least, it doesn’t feel as exciting as everyone has made it out to be. In fact, it feels more terrifying than anything.
Look, I’m excited to be a Senior for the most part. I like my classes, my teachers, and knowing that this is my year to go all out on everything. This is the year where if I want something done, now I can do it. But it’s also that fact that terrifies me. This is my last year as a “kid”. The next time I walk into a school, it’s going to be in college. I’m going to be an adult and I’m going to be starting to take care of myself. I’m going to start being “on my own” and start having to do adult things. And that is honestly so scary to think about.
I have noticed that there is such a big pressure on Seniors to have things figured out. All throughout High School, we are taught about what to prepare for in the “real world” and college. And when you’re a Freshman, that feels so far that you think it’ll never come. But then, it sneaks up on you and you suddenly have to start thinking about your entire life and what you want to do after you graduate. Will you get a job? Stay home? Move across the country? There are so many choices and it’s honestly so overwhelming.
But I feel like all I can say to my fellow struggling Seniors, is to make sure you breathe. For some of us, this is the year that we have been waiting for our whole lives and it’s going to be amazing. And for others, it’s the scariest school year yet because of all of the uncertainty that will come after. And for some of us, it’s just another school year. But for all of us, it’s a big step in our lives.
So no matter where you stand on the Scale of Senior Fear, know that you aren’t the only one. There is always going to be someone else who is just as scared or excited or neutral as you. So try and make the most of your last year of being a kid. Go out with your friends, do things you haven’t done yet, take risks, and have fun. Seniors, we got this!
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