As the final days of the school year dwindle, the seniors at Waltham High School find themselves amidst a whirlwind of emotions and reflections. Last Friday marked their last official week of classes, and now, they face finals weeks, preparing for prom, and beep day, where the seniors gather in the senior parking lot and beep their car horns for the last goodbye. As the reality of graduation looms, many seniors are looking back on their experiences, sharing insights and advice for underclassmen as well as upcoming seniors.
For Amanda Politis, her senior year was a roller coaster of priorities. “I wish I focused more on making memories with my friends than being stressed out about school,” she confessed. She added, “I wish I didn’t care about losing friends because better ones come along.” Amanda’s experiences highlight a common struggle among students- balancing schoolwork with enjoying the fleeting moments of high school life.
The college application process was another significant stressor for Amanda. She advises future seniors to “do your college stuff early because during term two you will be the most stressed out in your life.” The lack of guidance in choosing colleges was also particularly overwhelming as she notes, “figuring out which colleges to apply to was tough because our guidance counselors didn’t give us much help.” Despite these challenges, Politis urges students to “make the most out of your senior year with your friends, and get involved as much as you can.”
Emma Logue shared similar views emphasizing the importance of self-assurance and not being overly concerned with others’ opinions. “I wish I focused more on not caring what other people thought about me because it really doesn’t matter and now that I’m graduating, I’m not gonna be seeing these people,” she said. The pressure to be liked and excel academically weighed heavily on her, but with hindsight, she realized, “It doesn’t matter as long as you try your best.”
The college acceptance process was a major anxiety for Logue who worried about not getting accepted anywhere. Her fears were unfounded, as she was ultimately accepted into nine out of the twelve schools she applied to. She said, “Waiting for college decisions was stressful, but getting that first acceptance letter made it all worth it.” Her advice to juniors is to “start your applications early and stay organized so you can manage deadlines,” she also advises juniors to, “start your college essay during the summer before your senior year and request letters of recommendation before the end of your junior year so that your teachers have enough time to write a more thoughtful and personalized reference.”
For Alice Goncharova, her senior year was filled with studying for tests and meeting constant deadlines. However, she mentions that “staying focused on my schoolwork and having strong senior year grades made a huge difference in my applications.” Although senior year was very overwhelming at times she tried to cherish the time spent with her friends and participated in every school event possible. As she prepares to graduate, she reflects on the friendships and shared years stating that, “she will miss her friends most of all.”
As these seniors prepare for the final milestones, their reflections offer valuable lessons for students. The mix of nostalgia and relief is palpable as they transition from the familiar routines of high school to college. In the end, senior year is not just about academic achievements or social standings; it’s about the memories made and the lessons learned. As the seniors prepare to take their final steps across the graduation stage, we wish the class of 2024 all the best in their future endeavors. Congratulations, Class of 2024!
