[Source: Eric Chang]
As another school year ends and summer vacation begins, another school year slowly creeps into the lives of millions of students. To many, this time period is when they begin to take the first steps of their final years of high school, their golden year of high school: Senior year.
There is no doubt that many of these incoming seniors have vowed to top off their high school experience to the fullest, starting with this summer. Which begs the question: What are they doing now?
Some have decided to take summer classes to make up credits necessary for graduations and/or to open up their schedules for a more laid back final year of high school.
George Kim, a senior of Valencia High School shared with JSR that he is currently finishing Macroeconomics and American Government at the College of the Canyons and Physical Education at Opportunities for Learning. He says, “I want to make my senior year as manageable as possible. I know I will be working on college applications and will be busy with the school choir.”
Others have taken the opportunity of more free time to start working and earning money. Joshua Lee, a senior at Valencia High School shares that he started his first job at the Aquatic Center as a lifeguard.
In an interview with JSR, Lee shared “I started lifeguard because it was an easy way to build work experience and make money because I’ve been swimming for a long time. I am developing good relationships with my coworkers and managers while making some pocket money. Although it can get hard to manage summer classes and swimming, I do not regret anything and happy with my choice to work.”
However summer vacation should not be a time reserved for only studying and working, and many seniors have recognized this.
[Source: Jennifer Elliot]
Another Valencia senior, Jenny Elliot shares with JSR that she has been playing club lacrosse and traveling to different places for tournaments including San Diego, Orange County, and even plans on playing in New York. As senior class president of Valencia High School, she also plans to attend a leadership camp in UC Santa Barbara. When asked about what she hopes for in her last year in high school, she replied: “I hope that senior year goes well, and that I will be able to balance college applications with school, sports, and other extracurriculars all while still enjoying my last year with all my friends and classmates.”
Over the summer most seniors seem to be doing their best to plan out their final year of high school. Many have decided to finish classes early in order to be less busy and working part-time jobs to slowly learn how to make money for themselves.
I myself, a high school senior, have also decided to take summer classes and plan on working before the school year begins. Although I may be taking different classes and applying for different jobs, I am confident that I can speak for all high school seniors when I say that I am hoping for a “last hurrah” of sorts in my last year and hope to make the most of my high school experience.
Evan Kim, Grade 12
Valencia High School
