PREPARE: The generation of juniors this year will soon take the title of being a senior.
By Himadri Ratnayake, Staff Writer
As a junior, I have seen and experienced the life that countless students have undergone in previous years. There are sleepless nights where I have struggled beneath the weight of a massive pile of homework. I procrastinated more than occasionally; it became a habit. The stress of having to complete something the day it was due put pressure on me because I had extracurriculars or other classes to worry about. However, no matter what the excuse was, I managed to pull through it all as this insufferable year comes to an end.
I am currently in the transitioning stage from a junior to a senior in high school, and despite the excitement that comes with that, there is a sense of fear as well. When I was younger, all I could think about was going to high school and becoming an upperclassmen. In other words, I was excited to become a senior and graduate. Even though high school was not entirely what I anticipated, I still held onto whatever goals I had in mind. Although the idea of growing up and becoming an adult scared me at the time, I welcomed it. Now, the idea of going off to college, getting a job, and leaving behind the childhood that shaped my character is terrifying.
Without a doubt, the beginning of junior year was stressful. I was juggling dance practice among other extracurriculars. A few of the Advanced Placement (A.P.) classes that I was enrolled in started to affect me. The workload and constant studying led to a lack of sleep and constant anxiety. First semester was a rough patch, and now, second semester is not as bad, especially since A.P. testing has passed. At the start of the first semester, I began to experience some signs of depression. I never told anyone, because I knew it was only temporary. I managed it, and here we are in second semester, which is definitely less challenging and more enjoyable. In all honesty, I do regret taking certain AP classes or even honors classes. It may look attractive on college applications, but it will benefit you more if you are passionate about the subject and can excel in receiving the additional point in your grade point average (G.P.A.).
The problem is that even though it is the end of the school year, next year’s generation of seniors will have to deal with college applications, scholarships, senior trips. It may be the last year, but it boasts a lengthy to-do list. This is the time that most students tend to change their habits and/or appearances, as well as their goals.
I am currently preparing for next year by verifying the classes I want to take and planning certain parts of my future. Before I take flight into the real world, it is technically my last year as a teenager. It has been a journey, and I cannot wait to cherish my last year in high school.