Thoughts on Becoming a Senior

The+Class+of+2019.+Photo+taken+by+Bennett+Proegler.+

The Class of 2019. Photo taken by Bennett Proegler.

It is already my last trimester of walking the halls of Chelsea High School as a junior. I have one more year, and then I’m done with high school forever. It is horrifying, confusing, and exciting at the same time. There are so many things I get to do as a junior. I am in my last high school science class; I will attend prom for the first time; I will go through one more moving-up day; it will be the last time I play “Pomp and Circumstance” at graduation. Next year, I will have a lot of new experiences. I will take my first AP class; I will be able to drive to school, because I am planning on getting my license during the summer; I’ll take “easy” electives that will give me experience for my major in college–maybe I’ll even choose a major; if my grades and attendance line up, I will be able to waive exams. But before any of that happens, I need to contemplate and reflect.

 

After first hour, I head up to the senior hallway. I recently noticed the senior countdown. As happy as I am for the class of 2018, I am more surprised than sad for myself. How did this come up so quickly? I’ve actually known all along, but not as much as now. I read a quote in 8th grade that said, “The days are long but the years are short.” This stuck with me. Just yesterday, I was a freshman who dreaded junior year. I knew I would have to take the SAT, go through physics, take final exams for the hardest classes of my high school career, and prepare to be a senior. I never thought the long days of school would roll away so quickly. Here I am. I am took the SAT, I finished physics, I am less stressed about finals now that I’ve taken the hardest class I’ve ever taken, and I am so close to being ready for my last year of high school. It came so quickly. I remember joking with a friend about society confusing our ages because of our small size all through sophomore year. We would agree on being a sophomore for a little while longer. Don’t get me wrong, I love being a junior, but I still can’t even believe I’m in high school already. In my very first week of band camp freshman year, I met juniors in my section. They were so mature, they knew what was going on, and were more comfortable with their progress in life so far. I keep comparing myself to them, because I am currently walking in their shoes. I also compare myself to the seniors now. CHS will be a different CHS, because they have been here all along. I have followed in their footsteps, I will follow in the footsteps of thousands before me, and I will take the next steps to my last year in high school.

 

My definition of becoming a senior means a lot of personal things. I will go through my last year of band and theatre with tears and determination, I’ll pick a college and maybe a major, I will “rule the school” from experience, I’ll be cherishing seeing my friends every day, and I’ll be trying to wrap my head around wrapping up my childhood. What impacts me the most for becoming a senior is the amount of growth, responsibility, confidence, lessons, and knowledge I have picked up in four quick years. I will still be Kira Frahm, but I’ll be an older, wiser, and experienced Kira. Despite my bewilderment, I am excited to be a senior. Even though I’d like to stay an adolescent longer, I do need to move on eventually.