WORDS ON THE WAY OUT

Highlights Members Ruminate On The Previous Year While Offering Guidance To The Incoming Grade Levels

Seniors

COMMENTARY BY ISA MORALES, MANAGING EDITOR

FTER 12 painstakingly long years of school, you have made it. Welcome to senior year the year flled with crowns, celebrations, senioritis and the fnal stretch. ounds eautiful does it not orry to urst your u le ut this eginning of the end is no fairytale. In fact, at times, you will feel like you are just getting started.

here is no dou t that senior year is flled with festivities to commemorate your hard work over the past four years. However, as many celebrations as there may be, there is still work to be done; you have not walked across that stage just yet.

If you let them, things can become very stressful very fast. From the uncertainty of college applications to the completion of your senior year assessments, at times you will feel trapped. Do not let yourself get to this point. There will be periods throughout the year that become so stressful, you subconsciously begin n oy your last frst day of high school. Even though you probably stayed up the night before to make your senior crown, try not to let the act of constantly snoozing your alarm clock become a habit; those tardies are going to add up quicker than you think. In fact, you will need to steer clear of the 10/20 rule in order to attend your last homecoming and prom. uch e periences will e waiting for you, so do not let them go to waste. Find the balance between life and school because, contrary to popular belief, your GPA does not actually freeze.

Ato change your mindset from “I can’t believe I’m graduating this year” to “I can’t wait to graduate this year.” Do not let yourself make this mistake.

Yes, senior year has a heavy workload and can be overwhelming. But it is also your last few months in high school. Do not be naive and think that you have time to complete the things that you have been wanting to do these past three years. The harsh reality is, you do not. Go through senior year without regrets by making it the year that you want it to be. The worst thing you can do is graduate with the lingering thought of what if

Do not let the constant rush of being a senior get in the way of being present in the moment. ure may e you will wa e up late every morning and dread everything until the clock hits 2:20 p.m. But every precious moment you spend rushing through high school deters you from enjoying the time that you have. Appreciate it all: the Riviera parking lot lines, the crowded stairwells and even the pavilion’s bees. If not, you will miss it a lot more than you think.

JUNIORS

COMMENTARY BY EMILY KARDJIAN, NEWS EDITOR

JUNIOR YEAR IS widely regarded as the hardest year of high school by nearly all who have been through it. It is dreaded by all those approaching it, a reasonable fear when you consider the standardized tests, extracurriculars and increased academic pressure it contains. However, it is through this challenging process that you will mature into the best student you have ever been.

As is the case with any learning process, the beginning of junior year will be the hardest. Facing a new level of rigor and expectations can be a startling transition and may lead you to question your ability to reach the end unscathed. However, you will surprise yourself with how quickly you will adapt. In what seems like an instant, you will notice how drastically your time management has improved, your studying strategies have become more effective and your work has grown in effciency. When held to new standards, you have no choice but to adapt to meet them.

As you get into the rhythm of the year, you will realize that it is not as bad as the stereotypes and horror stories have made it out to be. Though your workload will be high and there may be times of stress, the year is manageable as long as you prioritize your own needs and health. Though seemingly counterintuitive, placing yourself and your well-being as your priority is necessary when navigating through such a strenuous process. Whether your preferred method of selfcare is reading, spending time with friends or taking a bubble bath, setting time aside to do what makes you happy will be essential in warding off your junior-year anxieties. Additionally, having a strong support system will aid in the process. Forming bonds with others who share your stress and motivations will help you maintain your focus and drive — this is increasingly necessary as the year approaches its end.

Overall, you will survive your junior year. Though it may be the toughest year you have faced, you will quickly learn to adapt and overcome any challenge you may encounter to ensure your success. Once you reach June, you will look back and see just how much stronger you have become because of it.

SOPHOMORES

COMMENTARY BY NATHALIE SCHWART, STAFF WRITER

UTURE sophomores, get ready for the “ride” of your life. Tenth grade is the year of securing driver’s licenses, becoming the upperclassmen of the underclassmen and revving up for life in junior year.

The term sophomore is a portmanteau of the Greek words “sophos” for wise and “moros” for foolish. This word perfectly describes what it means to be in tenth grade. After being at Gables for an entire year, we have grown and become wiser, and yet we have not reached our full potential. This is the year for us to gain invaluable experience and grow as individuals.

For many students, sophomore year is the time when they decide what they want to do with the remainder of their high school experience, whether it be various electives, athletics, clubs and other activities. Now is the time to get out of your comfort zone and try things that you were too intimidated