As the sun begins to set on productive academic days, it is no secret that back-to-school marks a time for a full range of new beginnings. From back-to-school shopping and new class schedules to new friends, it is what most people look forward to. However, this year, back-to-school brings new experiences for seniors as they navigate the Common App. Full of ambition, stress, and hope, emotions are high for many seniors during this time.
I know it will bring many tears and intense emotions for everyone involved, but it is essential to remember that every single senior has worked incredibly hard to figure out their future. Every student’s future is unique, marked by diverse interests and aspirations. It is extremely important to steer yourself toward your passions, driven by your own desires rather than what others expect you to do. From my experience, following someone else’s interests can lead to many regrets in the long run. More than ever, seniors need to remain true to themselves, their dreams, and their aspirations for the future. Often in high school, we are products of social norms, and we feel compelled to follow them. But at the end of the day, there is no single “right” way to move forward, so choose the best path for you and what makes you happy.
Time management is a significant component of the college application process and something every senior should prioritize. When time is of the essence, it is easy to feel burned out. What helps me limit burnout is having a healthy balance with my workload while prioritizing my mental health. Assignments do pile up, and sometimes they reach a point where students feel like they are entering a sea of never-ending work. Trust me, I have been there. It is easy to fall into negative thinking about this process, but remembering that it is a temporary period can help combat those negative feelings.
Personally, taking small breaks to reset my mind helps me a lot with focus because it allows me to think clearly when I come back to my tasks. Thoughts become clogged when working for long periods, making it almost impossible to think productively. I would recommend others to take those necessary breaks, even if it’s only for 10 minutes. It makes a significant difference. This process is not intended to last a week; it is a journey that spans months. Returning to the process with a fresh perspective will enable you to achieve greater focus and depth in your college work.
Having a structured plan can also be beneficial in organizing the types of colleges and the information needed for the application. I have noticed that our school counselor has done a great job providing support for seniors to ensure they are on the right track with their college application process. While this process may feel isolating, numerous resources are available, including counselors and professionals in the College and Career Center and in the Writing Lab. These resources also offer additional workshops that provide further support for your process. They can help you develop a suitable college plan.
Finally, seniors, you are entering a new chapter full of new beginnings and experiences. Get excited for what is to come and view this process as a privilege. Not many students around the world have access to all these resources at their fingertips; it is simply a matter of how you utilize them. Many people are here to support your journey, and I am always here to talk if you need any assistance navigating this overwhelming experience.
