Going Through The Motions Of Senioritis 

For many seniors, their last year in high school can be very stressful. 

The stresses of growing up and picking where to go to college can take a toll on these seniors’ mental health. 

“Personally I’m very organized…but when things do get stressful and pile up it does affect me in a bad way,” senior Tracey Ramirez said. 

Being a senior comes with many tasks. Going from school, to sports, work, and, at the end of the day, homework, leaves seniors with a lot of responsibilities.

“A lot of them are doing a lot of hours of work, and they let work take over and it hurts their schoolwork. They’re not balancing the two very well, and, you know, their bosses start to think of them not as someone who goes to school because they’re available so much,” senior English teacher Gregory Mays said.“Pretty soon the boss is asking you to come in when you do have a class and you’re thinking, oh, can I skip that class and go get paid. So, it’s a struggle for some seniors to balance those two things.” 

For some, choosing a college, whether it be a private college or a public one, can be a big decision. High school has different classes and programs that help prepare students for college and their life ahead. Some of the classes include: Advanced Placement  courses, Certified Nursing Assistant classes, JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates), Child Development, and many more.

“I plan on going to Hastings College and getting my [Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing] and playing volleyball… I will be doing hard things in college so I’m trying to do them in high school to prepare myself,” senior Carlie Beckby said. 

Even though being a senior and managing all aspects of regular life in addition to school can be stressful, there are positive moments like the anticipation and preparation of their upcoming sports season and the memories and bonds made by being with many of their peers for over four years.

“The highlight of my senior year so far has been being able to practice soccer with my teammates for our upcoming season in the spring,” Ramirez said.

Finishing high school can come with a lot of nerves. In high school, they are still considered a kid, but the second you graduate you have a lot more responsibilities than before.

“My biggest advice for seniors is to grab ahold of your own life and start controlling it. Take control, it doesn’t matter if it’s good or bad, foul or fair, take responsibility for your own consequences and results,” Mays said.