It is now officially Spring, the season of decisions and, for some, renewal. Time has flashed by as the seniors are desperately trying to grab whatever time they can back. College decisions have all been sent out and made for students. It is now our turn to decide what we want our future to look like.
However, here at Charter, stress and anxiety over this topic are just a couple of emotions going through the seniors. The CHAT seniors chime in to give insight and truth to the reality of this journey.
For some seniors, choosing a college and sending out applications is the leading factor for this decrease in mental health.
“It’s a combination of everything, including college applications, extracurriculars, and the overall expectations from the people around you. But for me, mostly it has been college applications. The feeling of not being committed and not knowing where you are going really takes a toll on your mindset. It’s hard to balance everything while also having an ongoing dread about your dreams not becoming a reality or being rejected from the school you’ve worked so hard to get into.” – Janeyliz Baez, Multimedia Editor-in-Chief
“What caused me the most stress this year was college applications at the beginning of the year. Planning and writing my college essay, filling out applications, and balancing AP classes and my extracurriculars overwhelmed me at times because I felt a lot of pressure.” – Lizbeth Manoj, News Editor
“I feel like I’m desperately trying to imagine 50 different versions of myself in all these different places to try to help me make my decision. In the end, I just feel a lot of self-doubt if I’m picking the right place for college or if I’m choosing the right journey.” – Julianna Perez, Editor-in-Chief
However, it is also constantly drilled into the minds of seniors that we have to remain present and focus on what we’re working on now: maintaining our grades. With the addition of balancing extracurriculars, current school work, social lives, and the process of committing to a college, seniors have seen extreme switches in their mindset and emotions.
“The most stressful part of senior year is how everything seems to happen at the same time. You’re trying to keep your grades up while also working on college applications, personal statements, and everything in between. It definitely feels like there’s always another deadline coming up. Sometimes it feels like everyone expects you to have everything figured out, whether it’s your parents, teachers, or even yourself. At the same time, senior year is supposed to be fun, with events and memories you’re supposed to enjoy before graduating. Trying to balance all of that can make it feel overwhelming.” – Emmanuel Baptiste, JagWire Host
“I think the expectations placed on seniors cause the most stress. Even though a lot of us are already burnt out, we’re still expected to keep up with the same high standards, like coming to class every day, finishing assignments, and studying for tests. After doing the same routine for four years, it can start to feel really exhausting. Also, some seniors are already committed to colleges, which can make it harder to stay motivated while still trying to meet all of our teachers’ expectations.” – Areeba Haq, Clubs Editor
It is guaranteed that it is not only hard to feel yourself fall into habits and a mental health space you’re not used to, but also for your peers as well. For the CHAT seniors, extracurriculars, religion, and their loved ones keep them grounded and help them push through.
“What has kept me going this year when times get hard is volleyball and the Lord. Volleyball has always been a hobby of mine that I care so much about and really just allows me to take my mind off of everything. Whenever my mind starts to race, I always pray to the Lord and ask him to give me strength to help me get through this hard time.”- Marlee Jaworski, Co-Managing Editor
“Knowing that I surround myself with my family and friends who are always here to support me, and also finding joy in other things such as playing soccer or dancing, gets me through.”- Madison Casanova, Social Media Editor
“Well, I’m a Christian, so the Word of God keeps me going. It tells me that God has a plan for all that is happening and will use it to His good. Also, that hardships are a part of life, and they help shape us into better versions of ourselves.” – Micah Lopez, Community Editor
With graduation fast approaching, it is important to remind yourself that you are not alone in this process. There is no rush to find the mature, decision-making version of yourself. To all the seniors reading, you are doing your best, and that is being noticed. Mental health should always be a priority. So until our caps fly in the air, remember to be kind to yourself.
