Eleven years, many tests, hundreds of Friday night football games, annoying technology issues, loads of memories, and far more have led to the long-awaited moment of the Class of 2023 becoming seniors. We are officially no longer underclassmen. 

I am utterly shocked at how fast senior year came, largely because the Class of  ‘23 did not have a typical high school experience. The end of freshman year was completely online after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sophomore year was in a hybrid model, affecting the usual routine of high school. Junior year came with hope and regularity in a sense, as we attended school every day for five days a week but wore masks for most of the year.

But the 2022-2023 school year has the potential for a normal year. The unusual nature of the past three years made the time fly by. I almost do not feel like a senior because of how quickly it came, but I know that I am ready.

The dreaded and highly infectious disease, known as senioritis, could potentially be the worst part of senior year. I am worried that I may contract it, but I have been burnt out at the end of the year before. The best way that I have heard to cope with senioritis is just to not completely give up, seeing as that could make matters far worse. 

The stress that comes with being a senior can be looked at as a downside, but it tends to only last for one semester before college post-high school plans come into play. The stress of waiting for college acceptance, dealing with sports recruitment, making plans for a gap year, and much more can highly affect the day-to-day anxiety of seniors. It is important to remember that we made it through eleven years at one of the best high schools in the country, so we can get through any stress that may come our way.

Twelfth-grade life at NASH comes with some perks beyond just having the title of a senior, such as Senior Banquet, Prom, getting out of school a week early, standing in the front of the Student Section, and other exciting moments. I am looking forward to getting to take advantage of the benefits of being a senior to make the best final memories of my high school career. 

Many parts of senior year are so cherished because of the likelihood that they will never happen again. School dances are rare in college, and spirit weeks are even rarer.  A lot of what makes Twelfth grade special is gone after senior year. Seniors should truly explore any opportunities that they are even remotely interested in, as they won’t come again. I am going to try to utilize my favorite parts of high school to end my senior year in the best way that I can. 

For me, the most exciting part about senior year is the anticipation about what comes after NASH. The most common phrase that I have heard from nearly every graduate of North Allegheny that I have spoken to is that the district prepares college-bound students very well for their collegiate years. Because of this, I am eager to embark on what comes next for me. Though the future is always unpredictable, my first week as a senior at NA has given me the confidence that what lies ahead will be a great year, with even greater years to come beyond high school.