10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My Senior Year

1. Take Your Hard Classes First Semester

Obviously, counselors make our schedules, however, I'm sure you could ask to move a few things around if possible.

Unfortunately, I had all of my hard classes second semester like LIT, Modern Asia History, and Public Speaking. It was a struggle, to say the least. 

2. Cap n Gown Photos

After graduation, students flood the high school to take photos even after taking photos outside directly after graduation. If you want professional cap and gown photos, do it early. You have enough time in between to get them back and you can post them on graduation day and you don't have to worry about a bunch of people being in your way. I got my cap and gown photos done by Skylar Doak a class of 23’ graduate and I'm so happy I did. Some students don't do cap and gown photos, at least professionally but my whole family loved them. Senior photos are great and all but cap and gown photos really put into perspective how far you have come. 

3. Saying Goodbye

One thing I just realized this past week is I no longer am going to go to school with a large majority of my class ever again. My best friend since second grade is no longer going to live a few minutes away and my favorite teachers aren't here to listen to me rant anymore.

The beginning of your senior year is filled with so much excitement that you forget its going to come to a bittersweet ending. Cherish the moments you get with your friends and teachers because everything is going to change. 

Not only is your school life changing, but for some of us, home is changing too. For months I've been dreading leaving my dog and my mom. It's a huge change for all of us, and I really wish I spent more quality time with them when I had time left. 

4. Making New Friends Senior Year

You might feel like you have come to an end when it comes to high school, you've found all of your friends, and you know what you're doing Friday night because it's what you always do and who you're always with. However, thats not always the case. You still can make new friends senior year. This year, about the second week of my senior year I met Maddie Sierk. I had no clue that this new junior would walk into my life and make it so much better. 

5. It Goes by Fast

I know this sounds cliche, but I swear I was just going to my first football game as a senior with the excitement of being in the front, and now I’m writing my last Lance article. You don't realize how fast high school in general goes by. Everyone always told me, and I didn't believe them until now. 

6. College Preparation

So many friends of mine had no clue what they were doing when it came to college applications and preparation. You may think you're all on your own with it, however, we have counselors! The counselors at North Scott are always advocating for our success and they want to help. Putting things off your senior year is so easy but if you get into the counselor's office early it’s going to take a larger weight off your shoulders than you could ever imagine.

7. Researching Schools

Researching multiple schools and going on multiple college visits is always a good start. By doing so, you'll learn which one is the best fit for you and your family. Whether it’s tuition-based, being close to home, or something else there are so many schools out there. No one wants to be the student that has no clue where they are going and what they are doing when there's only a week left. 

8. College Visits

College visits are more fun than they sound. You get free stuff, new food, and a reason to skip school. Obviously, all of that is great, but if you're stuck between two schools a college visit could easily help you out. For some, I know the layout of campus was the determining factor and that is only something you can really know by going on visits. It was also something fun for my mom and I to do together!

9. Calendars are Your Best Friend

I don't think I would have gotten through my senior year if it weren't for Google Calendar. Forgetting about assignments and due dates is so much easier when your only thinking about being done. 

10. Work Vs Fun- Don't Overdo it!

One of the biggest mistakes I made this year was working too much. For a while, I only had one day off and I missed out on so much. I was always too tired to hang out with my friends and missed a lot of football games. It's hard because you need to save money for college but you also don't want to miss out on everything– I made the wrong decision. Finding a good balance between work and fun is important, especially in your senior year. Don't make the same mistake I did!