Seniors: It’s Time to Embrace “Your” Year Now!

Happy New Year!

“Weird” feels like the only word that adequately describes the feeling when you suddenly realize you’ve arrived in “your” year.

The “Class of 2026.” You’ve been hearing that for so long. It’s been a label attached to you since first grade.

Now it’s here.
It’s exciting. And slightly terrifying.

Graduation is no longer a hazy date somewhere off a distant horizon. It’s a solid day growing ever closer with each day of senior year.

The hard work of the college application process are mostly behind you.

So, what do you do now?

Well, we have to tell you to keep working hard in school, of course. The tendency to ease up is natural. Try to resist it.

Beyond that, here are a few bits of wisdom to help you embrace all that “2026” brings.

BE PRESENT! Try not to mourn "the last" of everything in senior year.
Each thing will pass whether you enjoy it or feel sad about it. May as well enjoy it.

BE CONFIDENT! Everything with college will work out. Be certain that no matter where you go, the most important part of college will be WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU GET THERE. A “Dream School” doesn’t exist. The dream is yours. It goes with you - wherever you go!

PAY ATTENTION! Cherish the friends right in front of you. Right now.
Some of them will stick with you for life, and even those who don’t, will always be a part of your story.

BE BOLD! Try out for the show, the team, the position.
Raise your hand. Speak your mind.
This time is almost over.
In your life you will regret more of the things you don’t do, then the things you GO FOR.

BE PROUD! Look how how far you’ve come. Look at what you’ve overcome! You’ve lived through a global pandemic, life under a digital spotlight, and handled stressors that your parents or grandparents could never imagine.

BE READY! If you can’t wait for high school to be over, you’re in luck…you’re only months away from freedom.

If you love where you are right now, revel in it. Go to the games, the plays, the proms, banquets and more.

The future will wait for you.

Enjoy the ride.

Class of 2026…it’s your time now!!