Preparing for Flight

Each year at Northwest, freshmen enter a new chapter of their lives while seniors begin closing their own. For senior Erica Hall, graduation is less than nine months away, but school is still in session for the soon-to-be grad. Although many may think the hardships of being in high school subside in senior year, there’s still a lot going on in her world.

“I think being a senior is a lot more about focusing on deadlines compared to previous years.” Hall says. “Especially with the Capstone project this year and then applying to colleges, it can seem very overwhelming at first.”

Each year, NWCTA seniors work all year on their capstone projects to present in the last few months of the school. While the project might be rewarding in the end, for many, the process can be stressful. 

“My biggest hardship I think I’ll face this year is Capstone,” Hall explains. “I believe as long as my group and I have good communication and all put our effort into it, it’ll be a fairly smooth journey.”

As the transition welcomes new opportunities and challenges, it’s also a time to say goodbye.

“I think I will miss Biomed just because I’ve made a lot of great friends, but also because I’ve learned so much in the program itself,” Hall shares.

Not all is bittersweet or stressful. Change around us also causes change within us.

“Before high school, I would procrastinate so much with my assignments, which would make me insanely stressed that stress turned into hatred for school in general,” Hall says. “But once I started high school, I was taught time management, how to decrease procrastination, ways to manage my stress, and so many more useful tips.”

On a more optimistic note, seniors are given several opportunities to make the most of their final year.

“This year, I’m looking forward to all the activities the school has planned that I can participate in with friends,” Hall mentions. “So things like senior sunset, Hoco, prom, the fright fest trip and the senior trip, etc.”

As the end of her school journey begins, Hall has had enough time to think about her years at Northwest, and school in general. She gives some advice to current and future students.

“One, be involved as much as possible,” Hall shares. “And two, procrastination equals extra unnecessary stress.”