When it is time to finally embark upon the last year of high school, there are a lot of emotions and stress that can accompany the transition from high school student to adult. It’s an exciting time, but there can be a lot to wade through.
The rough timeline involving application processes and scholarship deadlines can seem convoluted and are not standardized across entities. These dates often coincide with the students’ last football game, their last band district band performance, and more. And this is all happening at a time when students are trying to make big decisions about their future.
These issues, combined with the emotions they elicit, knit together a web of insecurity and nervousness for many seniors.
Graduating two students and having worked closely with seniors for two years doesn’t make me an expert, but it has given me some perspective and advice to share:
1. Keep a calendar
Keep a calendar for your senior year, either on your phone or on paper. List deadlines for every scholarship and college enrollment task, sporting and fine arts event, work schedule, practice, etc. Start this calendar in August! Do not wait. Seeing everything in one place will make your senior year look more manageable and allow you to see what you need to do to stay on track.
2. Get to know me!
I will set up a meeting with every senior in the fall of your senior year. Please keep this appointment and check back in throughout the year! The more I see you and know how your plans evolve, the more effectively I can help you achieve your goals for your senior year and beyond.
3. Stay out of the ditches
Ditch #1: “This is My Year!” I’ve noticed that it seems common for students to want their senior year to be their “best year yet.” They know it is their last time doing many things they have loved, so they hyperfocus on giving everything their all, sometimes creating more pressure than is necessary. Senior year is special because of what you have accomplished and the memories you have made up to now. The senior year is just part of your journey – not the entirety of it. Rest in the Lord and take the year as it comes.
Ditch #2: “Meh. It’s Almost Over.” The other ditch to be avoided is the one of complacency. High school isn’t over YET. You likely know adults in your life who loved their teenage years and others who were happy to see them go; whichever camp you fall into, just remember that the Lord calls us to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Col 3:17) Finish well. Finish with gratefulness for the experiences, both good and bad, that were given to you from our Father to refine you and grow you into his image.
Please know that your teachers, counselors and parents are praying for you, want the best for yo, and are here to help you however we can. Together, we can tackle this year and help you to come out on the other side, diploma in hand and ready for whatever God has in store!