As the juniors of Lakeland High School (LHS) approach the close of the year the stress of becoming a senior starts to set in. Whether it is realizing that all of their activities are coming slowly to an end or having to book senior photos.
The realization that the students are approaching their final year of high school is intimidating.
Such as the future career, future plans, and even just planning out the final year of high school.
It is almost a surreal feeling to begin creeping up on the last year of high school.
Suddenly realizing that around this time next year, graduation invites will be sent out and the gown and cap will soon be worn.
But, how do juniors stay afloat while awaiting that?
The itch to get out of high school slowly approaches, while also the sadness of everything coming to an end.
As June approaches, they start coming up with plans for the years after throwing the cap and making their final plans.
Since that will be their last summer as kids.
Making plans to make this one the best yet. Instead, it adds more pressure on them because they feel like they have to pack it with every wish they have ever had.
However, it can also be a time loaded with excitement.
“I am most excited for senior night for softball,” Kiersten Drake said.
Whether that means finalizing the date for senior photos, buying a fun backpack for the year ahead, or being able to attend all the exclusive senior events.
As juniors come up on their final months before senior year, realization starts to hit them like a freight train.
They look forward to the carefree year ahead after a long year of mental strain.
Juniors are finally realizing that they are at the doorstep of their future.
That is what begins to scare the students. Making the big decision.
We are asked the most daunting question since Kindergarten.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
For some, they could write an essay on their plans, but others find that it brings up anxiety.
It takes more preparation than most had thought when we were five.
It seems like such a simple question, but it carries more weight than many know.
“I am not quite sure yet what I am going to do after high school. I definitely want to go to college rodeo, but I am not sure where. It is really stressful for me because it is really hard to figure out what you want to do and where to go due to all the options,” Taylor Howe said.
Especially when students are trying to figure out what college, what applications they need to send in, and trying to find the money to do all this.
“Honestly, the pressure to go to college and know what I want to do in my senior year of high school was overwhelming. I wish that it was more expressed in school that it is okay to not know what you want to do for the rest of your life,” Shelby Wear, a LHS graduate, said.
Scholarships are vital for many students attending college. Especially with them costing a fortune.
But, the question is, do you really have to have it all figured out?
Junior year is all about figuring out the future, but the truth is nothing has to be set and stone, and it probably will not go according to plan.
Half the time, college students change their major multiple times throughout their college career.
“My plan is still working out as I am in college still, but I am very indecisive about what I am trying to accomplish in school,” Wear said.
From writing college application essays to meeting deadlines for scholarships, it can be a lot for one student to take on.
“I feel like I should’ve had everything figured out by last summer, and so now I feel like I almost missed the deadline for everything,” Howe said.
Not to mention everything else that can be on their plate.
From carrying a part-time job, sports, and schoolwork on top of that.
Something many juniors look forward to in their final year of high school is the less work that comes with being a senior.
“Honestly, I am not that stressed on what I am going to do because whatever happens happens,” Drake said.
Junior year is so packed that senior year feels like a breeze.
However, the weight of wanting out becomes fierce near the end of junior year.
They realize that they are so close yet so far and just want to be done with high school.
Something else that hits hard during junior year is the burnout that they experience.
From rigorous testing to the extreme stress causes junior year students to lose their minds.
The only thing they can focus on is summer vacation and then walking across that stage a year later.
However, juniors are constantly thinking beyond the stage. Obtaining the diploma is just checking a box for most.
Adulting is the real issue.
“Life after high school is a lot easier than I imagined, but it also has some challenges. Being an adult means it is time to take action on some of my own personal finances and choose what is most important to keep in my life,” Wear said.
For some, life after high school can be terrifying, while for others it can be a breeze.
The big thing is having the responsibility for yourself.
Getting to pick and choose what stays and what goes.
People finally get the freedom they have been fighting for as a teen.
From finally getting a grasp of true freedom to simple excitement about putting on a cap and gown can all be situations that Juniors are either terrified of or ready to achieve.
