by Diamond Washington: Staff Writer
Seniors, generally speaking, have issues with procrastination. They often wait until pressure builds at the very last minute to get things done, whether it’s completing assignments, buying a yearbook, paying for tickets for senior events or activities, etc. As seniors, we all have responsibilities and expenses to take care of. Many seniors believe being a senior is costly, “…because the activities such as prom, homecoming, yearbooks, field trips, picnics,and all the other things that deals with being a senior,” said Carson High School Senior Ian Bell. However, there are various ways to resolve money issues.You can plan ahead by calculating the average cost of such things and creating a savings account, or even just storing your money into a small jar that can be sealed away for later use. All the money teens spend on entertainment devices or convenient items can instead be used to pay senior fees. Academy of Medical Arts (AMA) Senior Rayiana Smith states, “Our school should do more fundraisers, and students should come together [off campus to] help raise money for all seniors”. It’s evident that effort is required not only from the individual themselves but from the entire class, students’ parents or guardians, and the administration.. Self control is a skill that many lack in regards to paying for something, however, it is an essential skill for such matters. According to CHS senior D’Anthony Rhines, “it’s a little bit of both our parents and the administration.We are still under our parents control but I know we all have our ways of getting money.The school should still give back to the students for working hard all 4 of these years.” Agreed; parents have a large portion of responsibility in pertains to their child’s financial situation. However, high school students are young adults nearing their stage of independence and adulthood. They are old enough to find a job or paid internship. In addition to raising funds and finding a job, the school administration can decrease the expenses for senior events and activities. “I am in charge of the things for seniors at AEE. [I’m also in leadership, and I] think there are ways to lower prices,” said Academy of Education and Empowerment Senior Kailey Gavin. The people in charge of planning such activities can find alternatives for their venues, decorations, and activities. They should consider various ideas for funding and think ahead of time as to how the seniors are going to afford to pay to attend and participate in the sort. “My responsibility as a senior is to make my grades go higher and to do what I need to do to be successful,” stated Carson High SChool Nia Hicks. Yes. Seniors’ top priorities are keeping their grades up and doing their best to comprehend what they are being taught in class. But senior year is the year prior to the start of adulthood and the end of being able fully dependent upon others- your parents, your teachers, your peers,etc. Senior year is meant to be enjoyed and senior events are planned specifically to fulfill that expectation. However, there are more relevant expenses to cover than a dance, cheaper venues to spend time with your friends than wherever grad night is, and better meal options to eat than the pasta at prom… Save up for personal transportation, for college so student loans don’t put you in debt, for basic necessities, etc. Seniors need to step up- stop procrastinating and learn to prioritize.