You’re doing just fine. Advice from WR Staff to Graduates Story by Opinions Team Graphics by Noor Baber Senior year. It’s the final year of high school— a busy, sometimes-overwhelming era— marked by piles of homework, reflecting on the previous four years of high school and celebrating graduation. Since senior year is the stepping stone from high school, taking the first steps into adulthood can be stressful for many students. Even with the stress that adulthood brings, it is important to maintain a flexible lifestyle, a healthy work-life balance, social connections and more beyond high school. For this, it is invaluable to glean helpful tips from people who have already experienced this transition. Fortunately, West Ranch teachers are happy to help by providing advice they wished they knew as college students. Mr. O’Brien, AP Language and Composition teacher, emphasized setting boundaries with others, especially roommates and other students. He explained, “...[It’s sometimes hard to] get along with your roommate...If you find yourself in a living arrangement with someone and it’s unsatisfactory, confront them. Don’t just stay out of the room. Just say, ‘We’ve got to set up some rules about how we’re going to live with each other, because this is not working.’” Throughout college, teachers also highlighted the importance of utilizing the resources and opportunities given to students. “Understand that this time is precious,” West Ranch counselor Ms. Ferry added, “and you have such a source of vast knowledge literally at your fingertips. Sign up for internships, and network. Take advantage of the many once in a lifetime [opportunities]. When in class, actively listen, take notes and engage to get the full benefit. Going to college is the first really big life change that you’re expected to handle largely on your own. Don’t be surprised if you experience some
doubt and difficulty. Know you are capable of working incredibly hard.” Despite the heavy workload that may make college a stressful time, students should also enjoy the experience, and have fun. AP World History and Modern Civilizations teacher Mr. Holland noted, “Students are going into college, and thinking about majors [and] thinking about work, but [it’s important to] enjoy it. I look back fondly at the friends that I had and the things that we did… And I’ll say this: make good decisions. You know, you’re an adult, and some of the things you may choose to do that probably aren’t the best could have lifelong consequences. So, make good choices, be smart, think about life—you’ve got eighty, ninety years ahead. The choices you make will impact the rest of your life.” Another important thing to remember is that the journey through college can often be unpredictable, and that nothing is set in stone, and can be changed. Ms. Ferry explained this major misconception about college, saying, “Your major will determine your career prospects. That may happen, but oftentimes you will take a class that you are passionate about and pivot in a new direction. Feeling totally unsure of your career path and future is okay. The key is to work one day at a time and you’ll get there before you know it.” There is no need to confine yourself to a set standard so early. “We incredibly overemphasize having a life plan when you are barely able to know who you are,” Mr. O’Brien added. “That is a bad idea. You should embrace the fact that you are a growing, developing human, and you are not a fixed entity… Be proud of that, embrace it and don’t be scared of ‘I guess I’m not the same thing I was yesterday.’”
