Coming into the 2012-2013 school year a lot of attention is focused on the Class of 2013. Along
with this attention is a good amount of tension. Many seniors feel pressured
because it is their last year and there is so much that is expected of them.
These pressures include filling out scholarships, applying for college, and
working on the Senior Research Paper. Others are multitasking school with jobs,
being leaders/examples for the underclassmen, preparing for graduation, and finishing their senior year academics strong. “It’s
very stressful...” said Senior Diana Castro. “...but at the same time I am
happy because it is my last year.” With so many things to do at one time, a lot of
seniors lose focus and feel overwhelmed.
One
thing that leads to this stress is applying for scholarships.
Senior Michael Gladney said “It's necessary but I think it just takes a little too long." Another
thing that seems to be stressing a lot of seniors out is the process of
applying for college. Senior Puertokae Lagrant said, “The process of applying
for college can get overwhelming and stressful. This is because of the many
requirements that have to be met such as a certain ACT score and cumulative G.P.A."
One requirement that is not present in all schools, but something many seniors at Messmer High School seem to be battling with, is
the task of completing the Senior Research Paper. Senior Torey Jobe stated, “I
think the research paper is assigned to get us prepared for college.”
Getting students ready for college is a great take on this issue, due to the
fact that every college has required classes that involve writing papers. The Senior Research Paper is
putting a lot of stress on seniors because they know how much it means to them; passing it is a graduation requirement.
Senior Guidance Counselor Ms. Amy Gibson has a lot on her plate as well, helping students out with everything. She said this about her job, “It’s a little more work getting
recommendations out. Not really a lot of pressure, just a little more work.”
Messmer High School seniors need to keep going and stay positive. You have
come too far to give up now, and your future is worth it!
--Contributed by Stressed Out Senior Jaron Carter
