You would think that with winter break so close, college applications practically over with, finals soon to be over with, and a new year right around the corner – you would think that this would be the penultimate experience of the senior year. But nope, still have classes to go to, tests to take, homework to dread over continously.

Coming into this school year, we clearly expected to be met with some high expectations, but surely no one thought that we would be experiencing such a strong burnout this quickly. I know multiple people who find it hard just mustering the willpower needed to put effort into common daily activities. And while I may not be on the same level as them, I can definitely empathize with what we’re all going through. “As juniors, I never knew why so many seniors dropped out when they’re so close to graduating, but now that we’re in our last year, I can understand what they were going through.” said Aryanna M., a Hillcrest senior. It’s glad to see the contagious case of senioritis is growing strong without fail. 

Not every senior is having to live through this struggle of a time. Recently, there are some who have earned the right to graduate early and to be reasonably blunt, they’re the lucky ones. Although it doesn’t seem like much, five months away from school, plus the additional three from summer break, would be a miracle for some students right now. It makes me wish that I had taken a few extra classes earlier on just for a small break in between this and college.

It seems as though we’re not the only ones riding this sinking school bus. According to DoSomething.com, “Every year, over 1.2 million students drop out of high school in the United States alone. That’s a student every 26 seconds – or 7,000 a day.” That’s a pretty scary statistic to look at considering that most states require a child to be 17 years of age to even attempt to drop out. Those kids would either be in their junior or senior year of school and most wouldn’t even know what they want to do for a living.

At times like this it’s best to just keep our heads down and focus on each of our end goals and mental health. The more stressed you get, the more distracted you become and begin to fall into bad habits.

We’re in the home stretch and there’s no point in giving up now.

Wishing you all the best,
TA