Hows is coming back to school as a senior different?

Being a senior is new and exciting! It’s very different compared to past years, new rules, new things, and exciting events. Though being a senior can be exciting, it can be overwhelming and stressful especially if college is an option for you. Having to submit deadlines and getting things turned in is something every student has to deal with, but how is your last year and last submissions different from before?

Senior year is full of new things like graduation and for some college. This year unlike in the past, Granite district has changed rules including requirements to graduate and walking at graduation. As of the Granite School District Website a new requirement to achieve a 3.0 CPA in order to walk was announced for the class of 2027 and forward. This is a huge jump as just of last year and years past it was a 2.0.

Understanding that Granite district wants students to achieve the best, raising the CPA to a 3.0 was a choice made by the board to influence students. Though they think this was a smart move on their part, some students think not.

Taylorsville High Senior, Valkyrie Baker states, “I understand that they want students to do better, at like, attending class and doing well in those classes, but jumping from a 2.0 to a 3.0 seems a little harsh. We should be celebrating the fact that we did it! We graduated! Not everyone has access to the best school experience and punishing those who did their absolute best with what they had is unfortunate.”

Not only has requirements changed for graduating seniors, but so has their schedules. Schedules make up a big part of high school, it’s the classes chosen and attended to succeed. As a senior you’re open to making changes within your schedule that aren’t allowed or rare in younger class men. For example, home/work release, higher college classes, and teacher assistant classes.

Senior Grace Stephenson said, “This year my schedule is a lot lighter than it was in years past.” which is common amongst seniors, having less periods in a day, leaving early, or even getting to school late. She continues to say, “I am taking online college classes at Westminster so that does keep my schedule really full, but for classes at Taylorsville, I have a lot less.”

Taking classes for college is a great tool seniors can use to get ahead in their college years. Although CE classes are open to take during high school, sometimes the colleges you want to attend will offer classes you can take as a senior to give you credits to a degree.

For Seniors some of the last things are coming up, which can be exciting but also disheartening. Along with Taylorsville, Glenbard East High School’s Website says “Senior year is all about lasts: last Friday Night Lights, last Homecoming, last yearbook.”

Knowing that it’s your last Homecoming, last performance, last game, or even last first day of school. It is a big reality check that some people don’t see coming. Taylorsville High Senior Rylee Hansen said, “I’m a bit sad that these are some of my last moments in high school, but knowing that the end, like graduation, is near is exciting and new.”

These last moments in high school are different for many people. Some people are ready to leave and some people aren’t. Maybe you’re going to college, trade school, or starting a full time job. This last year means a lot to seniors, and everything up to graduation can go by quickly.

Change is good, from new rules, new things and exciting events. Everything leading up to graduation goes by quickly. Maybe you’re going to college, trade school, or starting a full time job. These last moments in high school are different for everyone, wanting to leave or not, this last year is important and something you don’t want to miss.

Hows is coming back to school as a senior different?

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