I honestly wish I had known more about growing up in general and the year in particular before I became a senior. Everyone talks about the big events, like prom, college applications, and graduation, but there's a lot more that hits you when you’re actually going through it. It’s not just the homework or the pressure to be perfect; it’s also understanding that the decisions you make now carry actual consequences and that adjusting to the “real world” is more complicated than it first appears. The entire process could have felt like a crash course if there had been a little more guidance on what it meant to deal with all the challenges. So, here are a few things I wish I knew before I became a Senior.

Making Connections

I realized that school isn’t just about making connections with other kids, it’s also with your teachers as well. It honestly is important to have connections with your teachers for many reasons. Well for most, because they are your teachers, and you do have to deal with them for the majority of your high school life. But if you connect with a teacher, they can offer valuable career advice, guidance on personal development, and help you navigate life challenges. Teachers often have a wealth of experience and knowledge, and they may be able to introduce you to opportunities like internships, scholarships, or networking connections in your field of interest. It’s also important when it comes to your letter of recommendation for your college applications. When you have good connections with your teachers, it is much easier for you and your teachers to leave positive feedback about you. 

Timing

As a senior it still surprises me how quickly time goes by. When I became a freshman I was honestly miserable just thinking about the 4 long years that I would have to endure at school.  Every teacher always told me how time flies by when you’re in high school, and to be honest, I never really believed them on that. How can 4 years of my life go fast? But to say the least, it’s very true. All my years in high school have passed within a blink of an eye. So honestly just make the best of what you can out of it. Hand in your assignments, get to class on time, participate, but most of all, just have fun, you only have the high school experience once in your life, so make every year count. Very informative

Future

It’s so fundamental to think about your future the minute you enter high school. When you become a freshman, nobody really tells you how important it is to think about your future, because the minute you get out of high school, you’re off to your new beginnings in life. You have more time to discover your interests, strengths, and potential job paths if you start early. Having a direction can help you make better decisions, avoid unnecessary stress, and feel more confident about your future steps, regardless of whether you choose to attend college, take a gap year, or start working right away. It's simple to be sucked into the present moment, but when you graduate and begin creating the life you choose, the time you spend in your future will pay off.

Responsibility

One thing that high school teaches you that does impact you in the long run is responsibility. You really don’t understand the true meaning of responsibility until you start high school. At the end of the day, it’s really all up to you to have the best GPA you possibly have in high school. All the assignments that are given to you, DO THEM. Don’t procrastinate and say “I’ll do it later” because it’s your future and GPA that’s being affected when you don’t do it. It’s also better to hand in your assignments ON TIME. I emphasize this because students tend to blame teachers for having a low grade, but the hard truth is that you’re the one to blame for it. If a teacher puts a due date on an assignment, it’s for a reason, and you shouldn’t take it for granted all because you felt too lazy to do it.

College Application

As a senior, the hardest thing that I’ve had to deal with is my college application. It was honestly so miserable and one of the hardest things I’ve done so far. It’s a long crucial process to get it done, but it’s best to get everything done as soon as possible. One important thing about college applications is your personal statement/college essay. I would say that’s the most important part of your college application because it sums up on who you are as a person. It's a way to express your true self-identity and to show your strengths. Honestly, out of the entire college application process, writing my personal statement took the longest. To guarantee that you have enough time to write your personal statement and be happy with it, it is best to begin writing it a year or two in advance. You'll go through hell if you wait until your senior year to write it out, I promise.

In the end, there are definitely some surprises tied to becoming a senior. I wish I had known a lot of things now, such as making relationships, being productive with your time, planning for the future, accepting responsibility, and completing your college application. The shift can be difficult, to be honest, but it goes more smoothly if you plan beforehand and keep an eye on things. Being a senior doesn't have to mean slowing down; it's all about accepting the changes and making the most of this phase of life.