As the air gets cooler and summer starts to fade away, a new school year is beginning for Lakeland High School students. The hallways go back to being crowded with students and teachers. Yet, amongst these four groups of students, there are two that stand out the most; the freshman and the seniors.
Both groups represent two completely different stages of highschool and even maturity. It is like watching two groups live in completely different worlds.
For the freshman, the first day of highschool can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Freshmen experience a rollercoaster of emotions on the first day of high school, with a mix of stress, anxiety, and excitement.
“I was really nervous the day before school and when classes started I wanted to puke, but once I got used to it I was pretty excited.” Kandice Molitor said.
The small things like being scared that they are not going to find their classes, tons of fresh faces and more grades to deal with, and the excitement of having a little more independence.
These emotions mix together as new experiences come ahead and the fear of fitting in starts to take over. Not to mention the rumors and other things that they hear from older siblings or friends.
“One of my biggest fears coming into highschool was the people and old friends. I have heard a lot of stories from others about old friend groups splitting up and things like that,” Molitor said.
On the other side of the story, seniors returning for their final year of highschool bring on their own emotional rollercoaster. Seniors going back to school signifies the beginning of the end and the realization that their high school years are coming to a close.
“I am honestly most excited about graduation. I have a pretty good feeling this year is going to be great,” William Neils said.
Every senior starts to feel the weight of the real world falling onto their shoulders and the realization of adulthood starts to kick in.
Just like starting highschool, ending it comes with mixed emotions of excitement and a little bit of anxiety. The excitement to finally be done with highschool and move on to new careers and bigger and better things, but the anxiety of all the things that come with being an adult.
“My biggest fear after graduation is that I have no idea what I am going to do, it is still unknown.” Neils said.
Freshman year is a year of discovery and new beginnings.
Some things freshmen should begin trying out are new clubs or talking to new people and making new friends. Everyone is figuring out where they belong and who they will be or want to be for the next four years.
“One thing I would ask my older self is how I did. I have plans on getting my associate’s degree before I graduate, and just to know where I end up in four years.” Molitor said.
The first few weeks the freshman are weary and wanting a fresh start. They start to figure out where they want to be and start establishing their identity. Social events like Homecoming and football games are a huge excitement for them and a way to find new friends.
“I am really excited for the spirit days and homecoming this year. It always seems so fun,” Molitor said.
Seniors have already spent three years finding out where they belong and who they are. They do not worry as much about first impressions or finding their identities.
Savoring the time they have left is the biggest worry for many seniors.
“I really want to live it up this year and make it a good one.” Neils said.
Seniors also enjoy social events to make the most of their time and make more lasting memories with their last year. The excitement is accompanied by the anxiety of moving on. Things like SAT scores, college applications, choosing a career path, etc.
A sense of urgency starts to kick in and seniors want to enjoy every moment, realizing that their last three years are quickly coming to an end.
“Some of my favorite memories are from all the dances and football games. I hope to make more this year for when I look back in the future.’’ Neils said.
The contrast between freshman and seniors is so interesting because of the way they can have the exact same emotional patterns throughout the school year, but under different circumstances. For freshmen, it is the start of their four-year journey and their growth into adulthood. For the seniors, it is the end of the line and their introduction into the real world.
It is also interesting to watch these groups because of the way they view each other.
Freshman look up to the seniors in a sense of awe and admiration, while seniors will look at the freshman with a sense of nostalgia, remembering their freshman year.
Back to school is a time of complicated emotions and a time where these two groups collide. Both freshman and seniors are going through a year of mixed emotions and yet they still go through such different journeys.
“One piece of advice I would tell my younger self is to keep my grades up and just enjoy the moments, even if it is the little things.” Neils said.
Being a senior this year myself, it is scary to think about what comes after highschool and all the responsibilities I will have to take on. On another note, I am excited to finally leave here and move on to studying my career path. I am also excited about the independence, but the responsibilities that come with it are a little nerve-racking.
Things like trying to afford an apartment and schooling, or paying the bills are what I am most worried about coming out of senior year.
I am excited for this year though and looking forward to all the memories I will create with my friends and the people closest to me.
I want to try new things and really experience my senior year. I do not want to look back, knowing that I was too nervous to do something I wanted to. I want to graduate highschool with no regrets.
Another thing I feel is the sadness of leaving behind my friends. I know that not all of us will stay after graduation and we will not get to see each other every day.
Some will go far away while others will stay behind. I am excited to see where they all go and how they all turn out, but it is always sad to leave friends.
Despite all the emotions, I am very excited about this coming year and plan to live it to the fullest.
