Dear Lucky,
As a senior who just graduated and will be attending college in the fall, the end of school has been completely bittersweet for me! As much as I’m not going to miss receiving another Classroom notification, I’m going to miss all of my teachers, friends, and experiences that I’ve come to love throughout my time here at Feehan.
Similarly, I’m extremely nervous to go to college and be in an environment different from the one I’ve lived in my entire life! I know it’s good for me to branch out and grow as a person, but it’s just so hard to let go of the connections and memories I’ve made at this stage of my life. Do you have any tips on how I can feel better?
Sincerely,
Reflective Senior
Dear Reflective Senior,
Your feelings about graduating high school are normal and I’m sure completely relatable for a lot of seniors in the same boat. It can be hard to say our goodbyes especially when we know a chapter of our lives is ending. Although it can be hard, we need to recognize that these times of farewell can provide us with learning moments and can teach us how to cope with loss, grief, and sentimental events in the future.
I would recommend spending as much time with your friends and family in the summer before you go to college, making sure to truly remind them all how much they mean to you! Rather than spending a day locked away in your room, opt to text a friend if they’re free to hang out or help your parents with a household chore. By making new memories over the summer and truly enjoying the presence of all your loved ones, you can prepare yourself to leave them knowing you made the most of your time together.
I would also recommend researching your college and getting to know the other students, as well as studying up on different organizations and clubs. Not only will this help you become more excited about your college, but it can also help you branch out while in college and meet new people. College should be a place to try new things and meet new people, so by doing some extra research beforehand, you can make sure you’re prepared!
Although college is definitely a stressful time, this new chapter in your life is exciting! Be sure to appreciate all of the friendships and connections that have brought you to this point but also remember that it’s okay to feel uncomfortable during new experiences. Oftentimes, this feeling is inevitable when we are presented with a new, intimidating environment. Changing your perspective and using this challenge as an opportunity to grow can not only calm your nerves but also make you ready for college or any other new chapter in your life.
Wishing you the very best!
Sincerely,
Lucky
