The second most stressful time of my life besides middle school (which was the worst) was preparing for a year of lasts and firsts at the same time: senior year. It was my only prom, my first big graduation, my last year of high school and what I thought was my last chance to make an impact.
I was very involved in my high school; doing the morning announcements, serving as student body vice president, I played two varsity sports and did a lot of extracurriculars. I was thinking about my future as early as the end of freshman year. No matter how early you start, no amount of preparation can prepare you for the whirlwind of feelings that is senior year. Having been out of high school for 3 years now, being fully immersed in college life, I have a lot of advice for those still in high school that are trying to make the best of their last year.
Take lots of pictures.
You’re going to be old one day or 21 like me and want to look back at all the fun things you did. Even though it was only 3 years ago for me, it feels like another life. I love reliving the memories when I have a chance. I have pictures with friends that live thousands of miles away now and I cherish them! Take videos too, a lot of things may change but likely your smile is the same and you deserve the chance to relive it!
Get involved in as many clubs as you can.
That may sound really difficult but I promise it’s not. You don’t have to hold positions in the clubs either. Participating in clubs with your interests or even things you’re not familiar with but want to learn about can be so beneficial to not only your college applications but yourself. You may learn a thing or two that you didn’t know or make connections that could help you on your journey after high school. A lot of my club advisors still write letters of recommendations for me and know people in my field that they have offered to share my information with.
Make playlists of your favorite music.
I’m a junior in college now and my taste in music has changed so much. I wish I had playlists of all the songs I used to listen to senior year so I could relive the moments attached to them. It’s also a nice way to stay organized and you could make a playlist for every year.
Save your favorite pieces of clothing!
A sweatshirt, dresses from dances, your favorite pair of sneakers. Lined up in my closet I have all of my special pieces of clothing that I’ve kept and it’s so nostalgic to try them back on or cycle them through my current wardrobe.
Apply for as many scholarships as humanly possible.
I’ve come to learn that every dollar goes a long way and I’m so thankful I got a lot of scholarships but I could have applied for more. Don’t let there being one winner and a lot of applicants discourage you. More often than not, these are real people, caring organizations, or families that are judging these scholarship applications and sometimes they pick more than one winner. That happened to me not only once but twice. They also didn’t split the scholarship between the two of us, they gave us each the originally intended amount. I’ve met multiple people that applied for scholarships, they didn’t get the one they had originally wanted and a new one was made for them!
Don’t think that the big or even small decisions you make senior year are forever.
The school you decide to go to may be exactly where you’re meant to be but you could also get there and realize what you want has changed. There is no reason to be afraid of change and I recommend you embrace it. Your choices senior year do not have to have the pressure of being permanent. If no one has told you you are entitled to change your mind, that’s where I come in. Do what is best for you and you are valid if you decide your needs and wants should change, no matter the degree of that change.
Take advantage of the opportunity to choose your friends in college.
I love the friends I grew up with in my hometown. We have kindergarten memories, shared social experiences in high school and bonds that will last a lifetime. However, some of these friendships were formed because of parents being family friends or meeting through activities. In a lot of these relationships they were expected to happen, expected for us to get along, obligations despite different morals or interests because we went to school together or shared friends & family, etc. When you get to college and you jump on experiences that interest you, you will find your people. You will have so many opportunities to make friends by choice, which is an amazing feeling to be surrounded by people that want you for who you are, not out of convenience or force. I know so many people that kept friends in college because of sports or majors that don’t share similar values or interests and they’re paying for it in their friendships and their sanity.
Finally, do not wish time away. Senior year already goes by so fast, if you wish any of it to go faster like I did you will be quick to regret it. Enjoy every moment. Each smile, every hangout with friends, all of your lasts and even your firsts. Take a breath and relish in your senior year.
