Assignment after assignment. Test after test. No breaks, all gas. That is how I describe my first quarter as a senior. Trust me, I am not trying to scare the underclasswomen, but I want to reflect on how my senior year differs from past years at Oak Knoll. Senior year is the most difficult and rigorous year for most seniors, as there’s even more pressure to get perfect grades before our final transcripts are due. On top of that, playing a fall sport only makes time our most important priority; we are pushed to time-manage and balance homework and studying so we don’t fall behind. As the November 1st deadline approaches, I am pretty much exhausted. I find myself sacrificing sleep to balance my tests and quizzes of the week. Already feeling burnt out from school, I now wish for the relaxation of a school break. However, one thing bugs me: the stress of time. As our college application deadline passes, you may be wondering why I am still worried about time slipping away. However, I am not talking about the stress of time management for school assignments or college applications, I am talking about the stress of senior year slipping away.
It is crazy how I was a tiny freshman just four years ago, scared to talk to the upperclasswomen or ask my teachers for extra help. It’s also crazy to think that four years ago, I wasn’t attending Oak Knoll, and I had no clue I would end up here the following year. This only strengthens my case on how time is of the essence, and it is only moving forward. There are no retakes of high school or even the option of time traveling because trust me I would want to stay. Looking back at my time at Oak Knoll the memories I have made will only be carried with me when I go to college. I think of all of my favorite memories: field hockey and ice hockey season, Christmas celebrations, lip-sync, getting to know people from different grades through clubs, and more. I also remember some of the bad memories like cramming for tests, losing the state tournament, and also not getting the grades I hoped for. But every memory, good or bad, has taught me something. A lesson. And that is, to not let time slip away.
As I am already ¼ done with my senior year, I have to learn to take pride in everything I do. I will be more grateful for my last months at Oak Knoll. Most people see school as a stressor, but I see school as an exciting opportunity to collaborate with my peers even in the most stressful times. I am grateful for all the people I have met and all the memories made, and I will take a senior year each day at a time, reflecting on how special Oak Knoll is to me.