As the Class of 2026 approaches graduation, the stress of deciding what to do after graduation weighs heavily on seniors’ shoulders. Parents and society expect seniors to have everything figured out for the future, like deciding on what college to attend, going to trade school, or just something as simple as finding a job.
Because of these expectations, seniors push themselves to reach long-term goals and academic achievements.
“Yes, I do feel pressured to choose what I want to do long term,” senior Wilniah Taylor said. “Yes, I do expect myself to achieve academic success.
Adulthood sounds like a big step in itself, and seniors are steps closer to being adults. “I feel scared, nervous, and bittersweet about approaching adulthood,” Taylor said.
“Adulthood feels scary to approach, but more exciting to get out of high school,” Senior Nevaria Nelson said.
Graduation can invoke a sense of melancholyfor some, but also puts some seniors at ease. “I feel bittersweet about graduating,” Wilniah Taylor said.
“I’m excited to graduate; the cost of caps and gowns are crazy though,” Nelson said.
Seniors should be able to enjoy the present before figuring out their profession in life, as many don’t have anything planned yet. Seniors are still young to decide what they want to do with their lives, and school can be a helpful guide in deciding what they want to do, even if they don’t have a plan in high school, currently.
“I think one of the most important things to remember is that it is okay to not have everything figured out,” said Counselor Hamilton. “Some of the stress and pressure can come from the idea that there needs to be a fixed path to follow, when in reality there are numerous paths that can be taken after graduation, and these can look very different person to person.”
“Being a senior can feel overwhelming when it seems like you’re supposed to have everything about your future figured out,” said Counselor Olsen. “One way to relieve that pressure is to focus on what you can control right now, which is finishing the year strong, taking care of yourself, and enjoying the milestones along the way.”
