The infamous second semester has set sail and is approaching its last stretch before reaching the shore. For freshmen and sophomores, this summer will be a nice breath of fresh air. For seniors, this will be the end of their high school chapter and the start of a whole new book.
None of that is the case for juniors, though. Around this time each year, the juniors start realizing that the special occasion they have been anticipating since elementary school will be knocking at their door soon enough. Senior year. Graduation. Becoming an adult. Life. For many, feelings of excitement descend into feelings of fear.
From the moment you enter high school, you hear stories about junior year being the worst year in high school, and when it first comes around, it never seems too bad.
Not that bad, that is, until around…second semester… When it all comes crashing down. Then, of course, it doesn’t help when your family friend comes around, realizing you’re around 16-17 and starts berating you with questions that all you want to answer with is “Idk” because saying anything else makes reality seem a little too close for comfort.
All of this can seem really overwhelming without the right support, but, in reality, there is more support than you think. Ms. Giese, Wilsonville’s College and career counselor, explains how “it’s really important to be aware of all the resources you have.”
Right now, of all times, is when juniors should be making the most out of their resources, such as talking to their counselors, using the lessons from Life class, going on college tour field trips, and more!
Ms. Gaede, our school’s life class organizer, shares that “Counselors are huge! They are the ones that help connect students with their schools of choice,” which is important so you make the most of your opportunities. Not only are your counselors there to help you reach your goals, but to support you along the way when things get hard.
Although this time period of preparation can be stressful, make it easier for yourself by starting now. Procrastination is a dangerous and bumpy route that only further accelerates your anxiety. Juniors get the whole summer before senior year to prepare for what comes next, so use it. “Give yourself opportunities this summer!” shares Ms. Gaede. Do things like volunteering, working, touring colleges, and give yourself time to think about what you want to do after high school. Senior Abby Khamvongsa, says, “Work on your college essay throughout the summer, think about where to apply to school, and find your motivation.”
“The biggest thing is probably to be ready to dig in the second you walk in through the doors” explains Ms.Giese. Senior year goes by fast, and it’s over before you know it. Give yourself grace and time, don’t wait till the last second to do your college essays, or apply to colleges and scholarships, or ask for letters of recommendation, do it with time. The clock isn’t running out just yet, so use your time to its fullest.
