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As the first semester comes to a close, DHS seniors consider their main priorities and plan for the year ahead
By: Ally Brown & Mya Weiss
Every high school experience is different. Some will look back fondly on the years spent at Dexter High School cheering on the Dreadnaughts on Friday nights at Al Ritt, walking down the science hallway to see Mrs. Jones’ blow-up decorations during the holidays, and maybe even walking past the same unused lockers day in and day out. For others, they simply count down the days until they can leave this part of their lives behind them. But one thing can be agreed upon by most: as a senior in high school, you are forced to think about your life- your future- in a way you are likely unaccustomed to. For many, it is the first
time in their life that they are forced to make a significant decision regarding their future, and with that comes all the excitement, fear, and nostalgia gathered up from the past four years.
So, what are seniors at DHS doing to compensate for the daunting year
ahead? What changes have they made to make the most out of their time left in high school? How have their priorities shifted this year in comparison to past years? These are all questions we contemplated.
After gathering survey responses from seniors at DHS, we saw a fairly even split of responses between those noting specific changes they’ve made this year and students who feel they haven’t changed anything. Many who noted changes they’ve made this year had answers revolving around mindset or social changes. They emphasized hanging out with friends, going to more social and school events, and trying to take it easy and be more in the moment.
Senior Kayla Wiseman explained that she has tried to “make more time to hang out with friends” while also trying to “enjoy [her] last year with the Dexter Dance team.” She said she is making school and her grades a priority while also carving out quality time with friends and family. “College is just around the corner,” Wiseman said. This is a typical response for many seniors. Maintaining good grades is still a concern as college decisions continue to be made; however, many students expressed leniency with school work thanks to a shift in priorities.
After working hard the past three years, students anonymously surveyed noted that they feel “less stressed about grades” and have started not to “put as much unnecessary stress on schoolwork.” Students also reported that they already feel the effects of “senioritis.” Senior Sophia Pitre states that being at school for a full school day, unlike many DHS seniors who have reduced schedules or are dual enrolled, makes it “harder to stay focused.” She feels this is a major contributor to her feelings of “senioritis” and states that “all [her] classes are easier” and she has “less homework than last year.” Pitre
also explained that she “feels less pressure to keep grades up since she has fewer core classes.” A mindset shift surrounding grades has made it possible for many students to focus on what they feel matters most, and that’s helped them fully enjoy senior year.
A healthy balance between social commitments and academics is a major concern for many seniors at DHS. The Squall’s survey supported that with nearly 75% of respondents choosing the prioritization of social or academic aspects over athletic or financial ones.
The psychological and emotional toll of senior year also hangs heavy on student’s minds. Many student responses talked about having a better sense of who they are and what they want for their future. One anonymous survey response stated, “I’ve realized that more schooling is not for me. I’m finding my own path.” Senior year itself is monumental in that it is one of the first big accomplishments in someone’s life while also being the first definitive end to something eighteen years in the
making.
“The stress of not knowing what’s to come has affected [her] ability to fully start planning for the future,” senior Emilee Harper said. She explained that although this has worried her, senior year has also motivated her to “engage in different things since it is likely one of the last opportunities to.” Many students are feeling the downsides to this chapter of their lives closing. “When I miss out on an event, it feels worse because that’s probably the last time I’ll be able to experience
that event in my life,” Harper added.
However, as shown in student responses, this year has also given seniors a broader outlook on these final moments. Students say they’ve begun to prioritize “making people happy,” “focusing on things important to [them],” and “trying to say yes more.” Many seniors have been trying to make the most out of their year so far and do what they can to make all the little moments count.
