Facing My Last Year of High School

Every school year brings a new set of challenges and apprehensions, but no school year feels as stressful as the last year of high school. Many seniors find themselves standing on the precipice of adulthood and facing a life outside the structures of public school. While senior year brings many joys, it can bring some concerns. Daniella, a Story Teen Intern at the Central Branch, took some time out of her busy schedule to offer a few thoughts about her senior year. --Bklyn Future 

---

This school year will be my last year as a high school student, and I’ll be transitioning into adulthood. This year has been very long awaited, and I feel a mix of emotions. I have a love-hate relationship with high school. Throughout the past three years, there were many days when I dreaded waking up at 6:30 am and making that hour-long commute for a (miserable) 8-hour day of learning. I always had my friends to keep me company, and I found ways to enjoy those days that felt like they would never end. High school has taught me so much about myself and the world. High school has allowed me to grow and change, shift perspectives, and form my own opinions. 
 

I had so many unrealistic expectations about high school in the past, but I am getting anxious imagining all of the greater expectations I’ll have during my senior year. All summer, I’ve been constantly thinking about how I will able to handle all my responsibilities all be facing. There’s filling out college applications, going to work, keeping up with my academics, keeping my friendships, spending time with my family, and preparing for graduation. I’ve been trying to prepare myself for my last year of high school because it seems so overwhelming and stressful, making it easy for me to just give up. I really want to be able to make the most of senior year and complete everything I’ve planned. I believe that high school is one of many chapters in my life that’ll give me hope and motivate me to achieve greater accomplishments in my future. 

 ---- 

Teens you can call or text 988 24-hours a day if you need someone to listen to you or if you need help with problems like stress, depression, anxiety, or drug and alcohol use. Visit https://nycwell.cityofnewyork.us/en/ to chat online or find resources to help. 

--- 

Brooklyn Public Library is now offering online one-on-one college guidance for anyone looking to explore post-secondary education. Visit https://www.bklynlibrary.org/college for more information.