Senioritis: Avoid it by planning now

by Frank Holowka
Ramstein High School

Senior year is the pinnacle year that may decide the rest of your life. Looking back, the first three years of high school have just seemed to fly by.
Now, you’re in the homestretch to graduation and it may seem far away, but it will be here before you know it.

There are many decisions you must make after high school, such as which college you are going to attend, how you are going to afford it, and if college just isn’t for you, finding a career and making plans for the future.

Senior year is a year of changes. In the months after graduation, you may find yourself out in the real world by yourself, supporting yourself and making your own choices. There will be no one there to tell you where you have to be, what to do, or take you where you want to go. It is a frightening thought but you can be prepared.

To be successful, you must begin planning now. The time for making life decisions is now.

Decide what you want to be and find out how to become that. If you already know what you want to be and how you’re going to get there, think about long-term goals as well.

Ask yourself, do you want to get married? Do you want to start a family one day, and when? Find out if your potential career choice can provide for them as well as personal needs and leisure.

As well as making those tough decisions, senior year should be fun too. It should be a year to remember, so make it the best you can.

Spend time with the friends you may be saying goodbye to soon. Learn about what they want to do in life and think of ways you can keep in touch in the future.
During the year, get involved in more social school activities such as clubs, sports, and plays, among other things. Doing these things with friends can build memories and stronger, more meaningful, friendships that can last the rest of your life. It also allows you to meet new people and make new friends.

Remember, graduation may be the end of high school, but it’s just the beginning of the rest of your life.

Start now to prepare for it and give yourself the advantage you need to be successful in the future.

Whether you’re having the best year of your life or you just can’t wait to get out, it won’t last forever and you have to be ready.