For many high school seniors, the end of the school year can bring a rollercoaster of emotions, and for some, one of the most intense feelings is stress. 

   As the year is winding down, the attention towards seniors becomes more noticeable. All the events and parties being planned, the awards and graduation ceremonies, and recognition in sports falls right onto them. 

   For many, graduating is a big, exciting thing that people cannot wait for.

   “I feel like, you know, when you’re growing up this is always the moment that everybody’s looking forward to. It’s exciting to get to move into this next chapter of my life,” Elle Coffman-Luckcuck, senior, said. 

   For some, all the attention, events, and what-ifs about the future may be exhilarating, but for others it can be too much and sometimes even scary. 

   On the other hand, there is an added pressure of officially growing up. All of the dreaded questions in regards to post high school plans getting asked 24/7 reminds some seniors about jumping into the “unknowns”. Nothing is going to be set in stone for the majority of the future after graduation, and for most going into adulthood, their lives will never be the same. 

   “It’s definitely pressure. I mean, you got people expecting you to have things figured out somewhat. And so, there’s that added pressure,” Michael Harms, senior, said.

   According to collegedata.com, “senior year can be one of the most stressful times in a student’s life, especially for those applying to college. In addition to juggling schoolwork, family responsibilities, social relationships, jobs, and extracurricular activities, many high school seniors are also navigating an unfamiliar and highly competitive college admissions landscape, figuring out how to finance their education, and making big decisions about their future.”

   Senior Finley Aldridge’s views on graduating aligned with collegedata.com saying, “I’m a bit scared. It’s a big step, and mentally I still feel like I’m 12.” 

   For many, graduating from high school is a big deal. Having the parties and exciting plans to go along with it, and waiting for them to arrive, is a big part of the celebration. Some people aren’t as big of fans, and don’t love the attention. Both sides are understandable and seen. 

   Graduating is quite an accomplishment, and every graduate should be proud of themselves when they walk the stage.