As the Class of 2026 rises up to senior year, it is time to prioritize the things that matter to us so we stay successful through the end. (Image made in Canva by Kelsey Sweet).

They say junior year is the hardest year of high school. Is that true? We are currently deciding what our course load will look like for next year. What Electives am I going to do? Should I opt for late arrival? Should I take college classes this summer? We are having some of the biggest decisions we have experienced within the next few months. 

We need to start thinking about our future. These decisions will affect us for the rest of our lives, at least for most of us. Whether It be a trade school, College, Military, or the workforce, most of us are making life-altering decisions in this current moment.

 I am panicking about my senior year is the main thought that goes through every junior’s mind 

“Between summer courses, fall courses, while also juggling work, clubs, and sports, how am I going to still have a social life?” 

This is the time to make mistakes. We don’t know everything, we can’t know everything. 

While others are stressing about their SAT study methods and how to get the best score, Others are taking the ACT which is better suited for people who panic during tests as even getting the first few questions wrong on the SAT can hold your score back; May I add you can take the ACT on paper. Some are even filling out college applications now. We need to remember that most colleges no longer depend on the SAT/ACT for their admissions process. Yes, a good score can help make you stand out; however, most schools don’t even look at them anymore. You have to approve them having access to your SAT or ACT score to begin with. 

We can’t forget the major stress. You have until your sophomore year of college to decide your major. Don’t stress about the major; You have 2 years to decide. Naviance can help with finding the field that suits you best, as well as a college that has the best choices for you, from major to location. We have time, not tons, but there is some left. 

Whether you plan to go to a four-year college, the military, or trade school, most of us are starting to realize how real it’s getting. Most of us turn 17 or 18 this year, and some may be turning 19. We graduate next June. It’s hard to wrap my head around personally. We all have chosen our senior schedules, and last Friday of this week, we had to say goodbye to our senior friends. For some of us, the people we have known all of high school; For others, just a few months. It’s terrifying realizing that we only have two semesters left. 

After all, we are just teens. Progress and growth are not linear. Do not stress the small stuff and take everything one day at a time. That’s all we can do, right? Just remember to live. Living is something we all take for granted. We need to take risks, go to the beach with your friends, and go do that thing you’ve been thinking about for months. Take the LEAP. As I said, this is the time to make mistakes.  Just be safe, as the wise words of someone I know

Don’t subtract from the population.

Don’t add to the population.

Don’t get arrested.

Get home safe.

Be safe this summer and remember, even though our actions have consequences, there will be risks you will have to take. Just be mindful of the consequences.