Life as a senior By: Kaylani Clark

Going from Junior to Senior is a drastic change, because Seniors are close to the step of what's next and what is yet to come. As a Senior, they must go through the application processes, work jobs, keep up with school, including clubs and activities. Seniors in general have a whole lot to do to prepare themselves for the next step after high school. Seniors obviously have help from teachers, counselors, family, and friends, but the majority of the process is on their own. This is because after high school, they are really going to be on their own with less help than they have now. Yet through all the challenges, the Senior year is actually a fun year with lots of activities and things to do. At Hillgrove High School, staff and faculty try to make the senior year fun as possible. The Seniors themselves also make sure that their own year is also fun for themselves. It's really what a senior makes that determines their year. 

Many seniors are excited to graduate and recognize the importance of balancing responsibilities. Hillgrove Senior Jehaen Robinson shares, “I'm just happy I made it this far. Just having the mental capacity to be able to balance everything. I'm overall ready to graduate and move on.” Senior year requires strong time management skills to handle academics and activities. Lindsay Thorton, another Hillgrove Senior, adds, “honestly, it’s all about time management. I know I have a lot of activities and clubs, and work. Just knowing when things are due and knowing the order in which I should get things.” Staying organized and remembering important dates helps seniors have a successful year. 

Even though Seniors are working hard its still important to have fun and make memories for a senior's last year. Hillgrove Senior Ethan Timmons says that “My relationship right now will be my best memory. It's very nice to have those people around you.” This is true espially as a Senior. As a Senior, you want to make connections because you don't know where people are going after Seniors walk on that stage. It's better to enjoy the world around you while you're still a kid for the last time.    

Seniors have advice for those following them. Hillgrove Senior Jehaen Robinson says, “I've buckled down on work and put work first. Because a lot of times I've been like it's ok and whatever, knowing that the faster you do your work, the more time you must do fun things.” Prioritizing work helps with both applications and future responsibilities. Robinson also shares, “I changed my mindset now. I kind of used to think I could just get things done whenever. Now that things are coming together, I realize that there are only 24 hours in a day so it's important to manage your time.” Effective time management is essential for balancing deadlines with senior activities and social events.  

Senior year can be scary and stressful, but it can also be enjoyable. The experience depends largely on how seniors approach their year. Maintaining a good balance helps ensure a positive and memorable final year.