The beginning of the end, a Senior’s Guide to savoring the last year of high school. School has started up again, and for some, this is the last of their high school years. As the final bell of their first day, first week, first tests, first football games, and first dances rings outdf, seniors begin to look back on their past years. Some might wish they had done things differently, while others are glad they did what they did. Seniors begin to realize how quickly time passes and start to plan on how to make their last year the best they can. Let’s make sure that seniors here at Sam Barlow make the most out of their senior year. There are many options after graduation, like going into a community college, a four-year university, the workforce, a trade school, and many more. This year is the time to figure it all out.
Betty Fielder, who graduated last year from Sam Barlow, has some tips and tricks on how to make your senior year the best, so you can enjoy it, do well, and avoid stress.. She mentions that her best years and favorite memories are from high school, but mainly her senior year.
Some tips to make the most of your last year are to get involved and join clubs, sports, or activities that interest you or that you are passionate about. You should also attend school events, go to games, dances, and performances. These are the moments you will remember. Go out and make memories with your friends. Express gratitude for your teachers, family, friends, and even yourself; they have supported you through this long journey. Stay present, enjoy each day, and don’t get too caught up in the future. Don’t fall into getting “senioritis,” it’s a big and real issue. Plan for the future, but don’t stress. Start thinking and planning about college or your next steps if you haven’t already, but most importantly, don’t let it overwhelm you.
Senior year is a big mess if you let it. One place that can help you is the College and Career Center here at Barlow. Many students overlook this valuable resource offered to them. It’s packed with information and support for college applications and financial aid, to career exploring and resume building. They offer a wide range of services to high school students. They offer Career counseling, guidance to help lead you in the right direction, and allow you to explore career paths. They provide college planning as well as assistance with college selection, and help you determine which one would be right for you. They also offer a resource library and have guest speakers who can also aid you.
An anonymous senior here at Barlow has some mixed emotions about starting her senior year. She says, “For me, senior year isn’t all about coasting through and waiting for graduation, it’s about really getting to experience everything high school has one last time. I want to cherish every good or bad moment, but also senior year is about looking forward and planning your future and your next chapter, which will be fun.”
As senior years start to unfold, remember that it’s more than just a countdown to graduation. It’s a very important and memorable year filled with lots of memories and lessons. Take the time to appreciate everything, big and small, that’s what makes it so special and everyone, because it might all change soon. So for your last chapter of high school, make it count, make it memorable, and make it your own.
