Regardless of the path you choose to pursue after high school, your senior year will be a time of growth and celebration which you should spend with those you love. As a senior, you will be presented with countless opportunities that will force you to evaluate your priorities and make difficult decisions, but with this responsibility comes the excitement in deciding what you wish to do in your near future. Given the current circumstances, I am grateful that I made the most of my senior year while I still could and I hope that you will remember to do the same even when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos that’s to come.

Try to maintain balance within your life as best you can. If you are anything like me, that is an extreme procrastinator, you will likely face challenges in managing the workload for your college applications, art portfolios, academics, volunteer activities, and whatever else is most important to you. During my senior year, I found it very helpful to create a physical separation between my creative endeavors and academic projects. I spent much of my time in the library to complete homework and college essays while I worked on most of my portfolio in my room at home. If you have not already, I suggest that you devise some sort of system that will allow you to manage your responsibilities in an efficient manner while also preserving a space that you feel comfortable to decompress in at the end of the day.

College applications. I’m sure you’ve received plenty of advice on this subject, so I’ll keep it short. Any adult or student who has gone through this process will tell you to complete your applications well ahead of the deadline. I did not follow this advice, but I wish I had as I could have easily avoided quite a lot of stress. In regards to your application, it is most important to be thoughtful and genuine in how you portray yourself. When the time comes to decide on which school you will attend, consider where you would be happiest as well as where you could reach your greatest potential.

Enjoy your time at Dreyfoos! This is the last year you have to spend together with all of your friends and teachers. During your senior year, find ways to stay involved in the Visual and Digital departments as well as within the school community. Sign up to hang shows in the gallery, volunteer for auditions, or even help to paint a poster. I am really glad that I was able to spend more time on campus this past year while making an effort to contribute to our school. Remember to cherish each moment of the year as you never know when it may be cut short. You are all bright and talented individuals, and I am excited to see what’s in store for you.

All the best,

Jillian