Senior life is grueling, to say the least. Keeping up with clubs, deciding which college to attend out of thousands, and keeping up with grades quickly becomes burdensome as the year starts. However, with the end drawing near, seniors are not only able to relax but also look back on their past.
For senior Kaylee Richardson, the past holds many fond memories, so many that she couldn’t name just one specific favorite. Instead, she has grown fond of a group. A group that had the biggest impact on not only her high school career, but also her growth into an adult.
“In general, something that I’ll take away is definitely the choir program,” said Richardson, “It just meant a lot to me, and it’s grown my confidence, not only as a singer, but as a human being. I feel like I’m so much more open and willing to lead other people. It will definitely be something that I will miss. ”
Nostalgia is common, but boiling excitement for the fresh start and distance of college life is also a frequent topic among seniors– more so for Madison McGowan, who is going all the way to Canada to attend Sheridan College.
“As much as I like living here, I feel like it doesn’t…mean much to me. I feel more connected to Canada because I am Canadian. I just love the country so much,” McGowan said.
However, for the rare few, relaxation and making the most of that last summer break before adult life is at the top of the to-do list.
“After I graduate high school, the first thing I want to do is just relax for a little bit. For a week or two, just do nothing. Then, I’m going to go on vacation [to Florida],” said senior Shane Bourquin.
Having constant fear and hope for both the past and future can be as burdensome as the work taken to have such opportunities in the present. And yet, it’s the peace that can be found from such contemplation that earns such a sense of relief. It provides freedom to live in the moment, knowing that it will quickly become the past and something you miss in the future. With that, these are the final wishes of a senior who hopes the future freshmen of FHC will find relief in memorable bonds and joyful experiences as she has:
“Focus on the good things in life, focus on what gives you joy, and [grow] yourself as a human being, because you have to mature, you have to realize that after high school, you have to go into the world. So, enjoy it, ’cause it goes by quickly,” said Richardson.
The final wishes of a senior who hopes people will find comfort in their high school experience:
“Put yourself out there. Because I think people, a lot of times, grow in confidence as they get more comfortable throughout high school. But it takes some time, so I think the sooner you put yourself out there, the sooner you’ll really start to feel comfortable and enjoy your high school experience,” said Bourquin.
And the final words of a senior who hopes students of the future will never stand for the bare minimum:
“Obviously, don’t overload yourself and do six APs,” said McGowan. “Have an in-between, just make sure there’s a balance,” said McGowan.
