Seniors are in a special time full of excitement and nerves as graduation gets closer. The summer before college is a great chance to reflect on high school memories and prepare for what’s to come. It’s a perfect time to hang out with friends, try new hobbies and overall grow as a person.
As school wraps up, it’s an eager time period as seniors are excited to plan their summer vacations. Whether it’s going on a road trip, hitting the beach or going somewhere new, this time is all about relaxing and celebrating the success these seniors have achieved. Vacations make a great time to create memories before starting a new chapter in their lives.
“I am going on a cruise with my family, and then I have summer welcome at school,” Ben Bachert, 12, said.
With summer around the corner, it becomes a great time for seniors to pick up new hobbies and stay productive. Learning something new can make the most of free time. Discovering new interests and skills can also spark curiosity when going to college and help students figure out what they want to pursue.
“I want to get better at cooking so I can save a little money. I’ve been told food can get very expensive so I think I could benefit from that,” Bachert said.
While there are new experiences to look forward to, it can also be challenging to leave friends and family behind, while adjusting to a different environment. Learning new responsibilities and figuring everything out can feel a bit overwhelming, making this big step.
“I think It’s important that I’ve learned time management. It’s hard to balance homework while also still doing other things, so it’s an important skill to have,” Ryan Rose, 12, said.
Additionally, leaving friends behind can be a big change when transitioning to college. The thought of not seeing each other everyday can be tough or discouraging. However, after taking in the summer plans, it is possible to stay in touch with these friends. Factors including social media, texts, video calls, etc…, it’s easier than ever to keep friendships strong, even after starting at a new school.
“Keep your circle of friends close. They will always be an important part of your life, no matter what,” Bailey Flanagan, 12, said.
As the last summer together creeps up, seniors have the opportunity to make the most of their time before college. Embracing all kinds of experiences can help them feel more prepared for a new chapter and even appreciate all the experiences they have had before. Using the summer to take a break and live their life before moving on is a crucial step to growing up.
“I’m going to make sure I enjoy the time I have at home while it lasts, because I know it goes by really quick,” Bachert said.