I never thought I would be here. I always looked up to the class above me, they were always the ones on top, and now that it is my turn I don’t know what to do. They always seemed bigger, smarter and more confident, and I admired them for that. But now as I go into my senior year, I don’t feel like I project all of these qualities to the grade levels below me. But, no matter how hard I try, I will still be a senior when I wake up, so despite feeling uncomfortable with that title, I must get use to it and fill the shoes of my predecessors.
However, there is something to be said about being at the top of the food chain. Seniors are the top dogs of the school, and therefore get all the props that come along with being the oldest students on campus. First off, lines do not apply to us at the cafeteria. Instead of waiting for 20 students to get their lunch then asking for a sandwich and finding out that they ran out three people in front of you, I can actually get my food and eat with my friends before my next class starts. And believe me this is great. While I do feel for the underclassmen who are constantly pushed aside to let the upperclassmen get his or her meal, it is a privilege we have earned and plan to utilize. Also, seniors get first pick at where to eat at lunch. No more staking out territory before other people, instead I can eat wherever and get to see the whole campus. I love having the luxury to chose where I can eat lunch because I can finally enjoy a my food in the shade of a big tree instead of in the brightly lit hallways of the science building. And finally, all seniors basically know every student, teacher, and faculty member at the school. Knowing the whole school inside and out makes it easy to feel comfortable and calm in the tumult of high school, a type of zen that is only achieved through time and experiences. Being able to identify with each teacher for their own unique qualities makes time go by a bit faster when at school. Whether it’s enjoying Mr. Cowherds scowl as you smile and wave to him, hanging out with Mr. Savage as he pumps his jams in room 28 during lunch, or gossiping with Ms. Reed in the counseling office; the ability to connect with all teachers is a must for seniors and with it, I can truly feel at home when I am at school.
Even though it can be daunting and overwhelming, senior year is about getting out as much as you can from the school and taking all the opportunities that are presented because this is it. Enjoy how people get out of the way from you in the breezeway, enjoy spending time with your friends during and after school, and most of all, enjoy being in school, because all good things come to an end, and July 12 is coming up mighty fast.
