Hello, Contemplating! Senior year is the final stretch and full of many wonderful opportunities! This year can feel exciting and overwhelming, but the most important thing is not only academic performance, it’s taking care of yourself. In high school, we often feel stressed to perform and look the best for college, yet we often forget to not let everything crush down on us. As senior year draws near, here are some important tips to carry you through the next school year.
Always make time for yourself: In senior year, it’s not uncommon that you will be bombarded with assignments especially if you decide to enroll in a Dual Enrollment or AP class, but making time for yourself in simple ways such as walking, writing, doing a sport, etc. can help ease your mind of impending tests and assignments. Remember, you are not a robot and taking care of yourself with a break can help mentally and emotionally. Scientifically, it has been proven that work is handled more efficiently when a person takes breaks.
Sneaky Senioritis: Naturally during your senior year, most students gain senioritis which is defined by the decline in motivation in knowing one will graduate soon. Senioritis is triggered by an influx of tests/ assignments and is especially common in students with classes of difficult rigor. Senioritis is normal, however. Do not allow senoritis to hold you back from your potential or use it to miss assignments. But remember to balance senior year by enjoying the year and its activities while still being able to preform academically.
Don’t be so harsh: During Senior year, we are often caught up in appearing well for college, getting adequate test scores, etc. However, it is important to not be harsh on yourself because we are humans and nobody is perfect. We compare ourselves harshly because we feel as if we have failed, have insecurities, or compare ourselves to be people we know, but those comparisons are unfair because everyone’s path is different. It is never too late to learn/grow. Remember, we are our own worst critics.
Have a support system: During the school year, many difficulties may arise whether it is spiritually, emotionally, mentally, or academically. It is always important to have a person or group of people to support you. This support system could include friends, parents, aunts, teachers, therapists, counselors, etc. Having supportive people can lift you up and show you a part of life from a different perspective. At the end of your senior year, you will be thankful knowing there was someone to cheer you on.
Senior year is not just the end of a journey, but the start of something new and significant. At times it may be overwhelming, but it can also be beautiful and filled with priceless memories you will carry for the rest of your life. It’s okay to be nervous and not have anything figured out because life is full of various wonders ,and only only can decide your path in life. Hold your heart strong and carry yourself through these last years. You are doing better than you think!
Xoxo
-Lucy
