Senior year. It’s the year everyone waits for— the capstone of the high school journey. From senior sunrises to field days, this year is meant to be a celebration. Yet, for many students, it also marks a significant transition from the carefree days of childhood to the responsibilities of adulthood.
“Taking on a lot of workload like most other seniors, you just realize with college apps, school work, and if you’re in athletics with the sports or any extracurriculars that you do, it piles on,” senior Anna Williams said. “You start stressing a lot, and you want to procrastinate.”
The pressure to succeed can feel immense, but seniors are learning valuable lessons about balance.
“Learn to schedule so that you are getting everything done that you need to, but still enjoying those last moments of being a kid,” Williams said.
As seniors prepare to walk across the stage at graduation, they are not only focused on celebrating their achievements but also contemplating their futures.
“Throughout my years at Rock Hill High School, I’ve gradually taken my education along with my future more seriously,” senior Jayla Carter said. “I’ve learned that you need to create good habits early and stop waiting for the perfect time to get your stuff in order, and just do it. It’s extremely easy to put yourself on the wrong path and ten times harder to get back on track. I learned to prioritize my future while having fun at the same time.”
Despite the excitement, the thought of stepping into the adult world can be daunting. Many seniors grapple with questions about their dreams and whether they have the support to achieve them.
“Just keep going because no matter how far your dream is you can achieve it. You can achieve what you’re dreaming,” senior Lamariah Bridges said. “If you keep doing what you’re doing, don’t let your thoughts stop you, don’t think, ‘oh that seems too much, I don’t think I have enough money.’ Keep applying to grants, keep applying to scholarships.”
In this final pivotal year, seniors are learning that while it marks the end of their high school journey, it’s still a time for growth and learning. Mistakes are inevitable and the path to adulthood is rarely smooth.
“The more I did stuff, the more I realized that it doesn’t mean you have to take everything seriously and get everything right,” Williams said. “High school is a place to grow.”
The excitement of new beginnings intertwines with the nostalgia of leaving familiar surroundings and cherished friendships.
“It’s been a great four years,” Williams said. “I’ve learned a lot, I’ve made great friends, but I’m ready to go on to another chapter of life.”
