While seniors mourn the end of their high school careers, it is important to keep in mind the friends you will leave behind. On that note, here are a few suggestions from a graduating senior for students to make the most of the time they have left at JR.
Now is the time to try things at school that you’ve never done before. Are there any clubs or sports you’ve been wanting to check out before high school ends? Now’s your chance! Four years may seem long, but high school is fleeting, and you don’t want to look back with regrets. Just make sure it’s something that you are interested in or actually want to look into, and not something you just feel like you “should” do. For example, I’ve always wanted to participate in a school play, and this year I finally did (shout out Mamma Mia)! It was a lot of work, but so much fun.
Following the same idea of taking advantage of opportunities, try to experience DC things you’ve always meant to do, but never have. People often take for granted what DC has to offer, and then, only after they leave, realize how incredible it is that we get to live in such a beautifully diverse city. Act like a tourist in our own city to experience it on a deeper level before your schedule gets too busy or you move away.
Spend time with the people who love and support you. Depending on your situation in the coming years, it could become harder for you to hang out with your close friends and family. Even if you stay in DC after graduating, you will have friends moving to new places, and people you love may potentially be harder to reach. Your friends from high school may end up being some of your lifelong friends, so don’t take them for granted, and be sure to support them as they are trying to figure out their next chapter — it can be stressful!
Speaking of stress, try to avoid it piling up. Now, obviously, it’s important to ensure you keep things in balance — something I didn’t always succeed at, so learn from my mistakes! You’ll need enough time for school and extracurriculars, but you also want to save time to have fun with friends or just take some time for yourself. Making time to do all these things is important to maintain your well-being and to make the most of your time in high school. If you commit to an activity, be sure you can show up as much as expected, and if you can’t, consider reevaluating your decisions. Whatever you do, don’t overextend yourself.
People act like senior year’s a breeze compared to junior. Sorry to break the news, but that’s often not the case, and it heavily depends on what your schedule looks like. As a senior, you definitely have more freedom, such as free periods, and the pressure is off once you know what your plan is following graduation. However, it also usually means you are more responsible for managing your own time and deciding what you want or don’t want to be involved in. If you use a free period solely to scroll on your phone, you might not have as much free time later to chill with your friends, get a part-time job, or just do fun things in DC, so use your time at the top of the chain wisely.
Be sure to tell the teachers and staff who’ve made a difference in your time at JR how much you appreciate them. Even dropping by for a quick hello to show your gratitude could light up your day and theirs (especially if you bring them some sweet treats). Specifically for rising juniors, staying in touch will help you through the recommendation letter process. Not only do teachers play a huge part in helping with rec letters, but they can also provide guidance as you consider your post-HS plans.
Although summer break is often a much-needed opportunity to chill, it should also be spent with intent. As a rising senior or even junior, now’s a great time to sign up for pre-college courses that usually aren’t available after high school, a camp centered around a specific interest (like a sport), or a part-time job or internship. Pre-college programs are a great way to get a taste of what college might feel like, help you decide whether college is right for you, and determine what kind of environment you might want.
Most of all, try to relax and find joy whenever you can no matter where you are. High school is a lot to manage, but try to make sure you explore new things and grow while taking care of yourself and having fun. Remember: You will have the rest of your life to be an adult with adult responsibilities, but you’re only young once. Enjoy it! •