Graduating Seniors share final wisdom [OPINION]
By Sarah Monsegur, ’24, Managing Editor
May 10, 2024
As a second semester senior here at Seton, one of the most important things I have come to realize over the past four years is that the point of High School is not just copious amounts of homework and the array of tiny, intimidating percentages under the “View Grades” button in Canvas.
As we all know, academics are important — however, when I think back on my time at Seton, I find myself poring over fond memories from football games, school retreats and extracurricular activities rather than what grade I earned in that one class two semesters ago. The experiences I’ve had at Seton, the good and the not-so good, are what stick out to me the most because they have been imperative to my growth as an individual in these formative years of my life.
If you know me, you probably know that I am a huge Taylor Swift fan. In the fall of my junior year, Taylor released her 10th studio album, “Midnights,” and one song in particular stood out to me for its relatability and lyricism. On track five, “You’re on Your Own, Kid,” Swift sings, “’Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned / Everything you lose is a step you take / So make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it / You’ve got no reason to be afraid.”
I feel that these lyrics perfectly encapsulate my high school experience, because although I faced hardship both socially and academically, I was able to overcome those difficulties, and, as a result, I am stronger than before. Mistakes and missteps are pretty inevitable but the way you react to those situations is what matters most. In reality, High School is only four years. Whether you enjoy it or not is up to you. My best advice would be to just put yourself out there and try new things. Join a club, play a sport, start up a conversation with the person sitting next to you. It will all be over in the blink of an eye, and you won’t want to be left with a bunch of “What if’s” after you walk across the stage.
By Trinity Hart, ’24, Editor-in-Chief
May 10, 2024
The other day I watched “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” and, for the first time, it became real. It wasn’t the sporadic song outbreaks but instead the reality that I was in the same spot they were. I had my last prom. Coming up is my graduation. In the fall, I won’t have the same routine or be with the friends I have made throughout my time here. The end of senior year always seemed so far away. I can’t believe it’s even here right now — this year flew by.
The thing is, though, that High School is not just about the end. It’s not something you should try to get through to get to move on to something better. It’s not all about attaining that diploma. I’ve learned that high school is full of so many little moments, all of which form an experience. Some moments are full of joy and laughter, and some moments are the ones you look back on with gratitude for the growth they provided.
My Senior Class graduated eighth grade and started high school in the thick of COVID-19. Accepting the reality that there was a possibility we wouldn’t have a normal High School experience and adjusting to the start of High School from behind a computer screen were tough. It wasn’t just my class that felt this impact. Everyone was affected by this in some way or another. I grew from that in so many different ways, one of which was in appreciation. Even though the classes are difficult sometimes, I’m happy for the fact that I got to learn in person, I got to have a locker, I got to do normal High School things. Sometimes we take these things for granted.
Since I began at Seton Sophomore year, there have been so many little moments that have made me smile. It’s the bonding as a class when you have your own inside joke, the time with friends at school events like games and dances, the cries you share on retreats like Kairos, the creativity and excitement that comes from free dress days, the projects that take you until 2 in the morning but gives you a grade you worked hard for, the feeling of being a part of a team, the cloudy days in the quad. Some of those things are not that big of a deal but they contribute to something so much larger.
These things account for four pivotal years of my life. I have learned a lot about myself because of these things. High School has forced me to step outside of my comfort zone. I have plenty of memories I could talk about during my time at Seton but they all go back to one thing — live in the moment. I found myself taking joy in the little things, and it made the hard things easier. That, and my reliance on God and the people around me.
I pushed myself to meet new people or attend events, and it has made me love these last four years. You choose the experience you want to have. I may not have a “High School Musical” experience where a song comes on, and everything works out and everyone gets along but I am grateful for the memories, the laughs, the cries, the friends and all the ways that school has pushed me to be where I am today.
By Both
- Take your work seriously but don’t make it everything. Don’t miss out on High School because you’re focused on college or what the future holds. Especially Senior year, cherish each moment before it passes because it goes by so fast.
- Take a breath sometimes. School can be stressful and it is easy to get overwhelmed. Ask for help when you need it and take the time you need for yourself but don’t give up when it feels like too much.
- When doing class presentations, always volunteer to go first. It may seem scary but getting it over with and being able to watch the rest of your peers is the best feeling!! You can prevent so much unnecessary stress.
- Don’t wait until the last minute. It might be annoying, but getting something done sooner than later will also relieve so much stress and will help your grades so you don’t have problems towards the end of the semester.
- Don’t procrastinate on your service hours!!
- Take the opportunities to go on retreats, especially Kairos and be OPEN! They are so worth it and introduce God in a new way. Even if you are not religious, they provide such a great community.
- Rely on God in all things. He’s always there for you, and you need only to be still.