by Edgerrin Panaligan // Op-Ed Editor
Many outgoing seniors can agree that the looming end of their entire high school careers has been wildly conflicting to deal with. They’re generally stuck in between wanting to finally leave and, at times, wishing that high school never had to end. They reflect on the good memories and moments they’ve shared with their friends and families, but they’re also left with a sense of wonderment about where their lives will take them come fall time. It’ll be the first time in a long time that they won’t be required to be at a school, they’ll mostly be of legal adult age with the freedom and flexibility to gain some type of employment, continue their education at the collegiate level, or do whatever they please. The transition from going through an established daily routine to having outright independence seems overwhelming at first sight, but before any of that happens, seniors must first accept the fact that such a large part of their lives is coming to end. The big question remains: how?
There are many senior-related activities and events near the end of the school year that serve as a culmination of four long years of hard work and commitment, events such as prom, grad night, and ultimately, graduation. Students might find getting through these events quite troubling, because while they should be having a great time and enjoying themselves, they might see the events as notches inching them closer toward denouement; the end of a significant act in their lives. In high school, people arguably learn so much more about themselves than at any other point in their entire lives. An incoming freshman will never be the same exact person they end up becoming as an outgoing senior. In high school, you learn about what fascinates you, what kind of personality you exhibit to others, and the type of people you feel comfortable around, amongst so many other things. All those feelings of resentment having to stay up late nights to finish a project, or to study a subject you’ll never coherently understand, seem to subside in hindsight, because they indirectly served as learning experiences that contributed to one’s ever-growing understanding of themselves. Many people are afraid to let go of that sentimental feeling, which makes it increasingly difficult to come to terms with the reality that their days left in high school are numbered.
“Personally, it’s pretty hard because [I’ve] been in school for so long, it’s become a part of who I am,” said Academies of Education and Empowerment senior Liliana Rodriguez. “But I’m really excited to move on and become more independent, and try to figure out what I’m going to do on my own.”
Though this very important time of our lives is soon coming to an end, it’s crucial that the focus shifts from the impending sadness and dejection of leaving to reminiscing on the times that make you smile and the times that make you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished in your time as a high school student. Think of the bad times as strength and motivation that helped you truly better yourself as a person. There’s so much more to look forward to after high school.For many, college will be something to look ahead to, and the desire to continue pursuing an education is nothing short of admirable. Be sure to show appreciation for the friends, family, and school staff that supported you on your journey and helped you get this far. High school might be ending soon, but your life is just beginning.
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