Senioritis

     Everyone says that senior year is supposed to be the pinnacle of high school. Movies, teachers and former students make it out to be the perfect year filled with freedom, unforgettable memories and traditions. When you finally make it to senior year though, it doesn’t always feel that way. For many students, the reality is a lot more stressful and overwhelming than expected.

     One of the biggest challenges is the pressure of the up and coming future. College applications, scholarships and deadlines start piling up quickly. At the same time, seniors are still expected to keep up with classes, activities and in a lot of cases, part time jobs. Instead of feeling like “the easiest year,” senior year can end up feeling more intense than any other year.

     The financial side is another part that people don’t always think about. Prom, senior photos, grad night and even cap and gown fees can add up to hundreds of dollars. Not everyone can afford to take part in everything, and that can lead to some students feeling left out.

     All this being said, doesn’t mean that senior year is all bad. There are still many fun traditions, more independence, and of course the excitement of being at the top of the school. Some people do enjoy it and feel like it lives up to their expectations. But for many others, the hype sets them up to feel disappointed when reality doesn’t match what they were told to expect.

     So is senior year really overrated? The answer depends on how you look at it. It’s not perfect, and it comes with a lot of stress and expenses. Senior year can be meaningful in smaller ways. The friendships, the “lasts,” and the chance to reflect before moving onto a new chapter in your life. Senior year may not look like the movies, but it doesn’t have to in order to be memorable.