The Stress of B [Story by Max Villegas] ‘Junior year is the hardest year of high school’ said every junior ever. Their experience is clouded by loading on AP classes, taking standardized tests, gaining leadership in extracurricular activities, and starting to prepare for post-high school life. But senior year is arguably the most difficult year for a high school student. Not to undermine the struggles of a junior, but senior year is unique. Senior year brings a mess of emotions unlike any other year in high school. The process of figuring out and carrying out post-high school plans - whether it be college, trade school, military, or the workforce - is stressful on its own. The waiting period makes students feel anxious, restless, and unable to focus on anything else. The decisions - accepted, rejected, deferred, waitlisted - can make a student feel euphoric or depressed. The lack of external and internal motivation that seniors face truly shows what students care about. The push and pull between being a young adult but still living at home, or the dynamic between friends who have different goals from each other. Senior year is hard. “I'm feeling excited for Capstone, and just graduation and summer,” said senior Shreya Krishna. Along with many seniors, Krishna is pushing through the last stretch of high school: second semester. During this time of year, the celebration period feels so far away, it’s difficult to stay positive and focused on schoolwork or even look forward to exciting events.
Photo provided by Max Villegas
After much work, student prepares to submit their application to Boston University.
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Culture
Photo provided by Max Villegas
Student gets accepted into University of Virginia.
“Freedom teachers have honestly relieved most of my stress because they’re super supportive but the class work definitely adds to everything,” said senior Kathleen Pham. Having a support system, especially at school, is greatly beneficial to navigating numerous emotions at once. To combat stress, FHS seniors enjoy listening to music, taking a nap, or even embracing their current mood. The college application process has its own stressors in addition to balancing coursework and extracurricular activities. The application season is unique: No high school student prior to senior year has experienced a lengthy application process like the college process. “Everyone’s kind of curious to see where everyone will end up,” Krishna said. People are naturally curious about what others are doing. College is unique, because it's the first time everyone isn’t going through the same public school system. People are going to a state school or are traveling far to attend college, so everyone is fascinated by which paths people are taking. Senior Nina Cabrera admits that she’s guilty of obsessing over other people’s plans - because everyone gets to choose their own school or plan. Despite being a short period of time, senior year can be a defining moment for learning and reflecting. Trying to figure out what to do after high school can lead to discussions
