As the school year winds down, the energy in the building changes. The excitement for summer is definitely there, but it is mixed with the stress of finishing final projects and preparing for exams. From the freshmen experiencing their first year of high school finals to the seniors getting ready to graduate, everyone is feeling the pressure.
For many students, preparing for the end of the year is all about getting organized. You can see people everywhere carrying around planners and thick folders full of study guides. Many are using online tools like Quizlet or Google Docs to organize their notes from the whole year.
“It is a really busy time of the year right now,” says Maddie Edwards. “Everyone is just trying to get their work done and pass their finals so we can finally be on summer break.”
It isn’t just about individual work; whether it’s a senior helping a sophomore with a math problem or a freshman quizzing each other on science terms, there is a lot of teamwork happening.
Technology has made a huge difference in how we get through this busy time. Phones are constantly buzzing with questions about due dates or hard assignments. Students are using their laptops to share resources and explain things that may be confusing in class. This makes the heavy workload seem a little easier because you know you can reach out to a classmate at any time if you get stuck.
Of course, the end of the year isn’t only about schoolwork. It is also a very emotional time. Seniors are getting ready for prom and graduation, while underclassmen are saying goodbye to friends who are moving on. There are sports banquets, final performances, and award ceremonies packed into the schedule. Trying to enjoy these “last” moments while also worrying about the big history final is a hard balance that almost every student has to deal with right now.
With so much going on, many people are focusing more on their mental health. Teachers and counselors are reminding us to take breaks and get enough sleep so we don’t feel overwhelmed. Connectivity can be the best time to set time aside for mental health breaks to help students stay calm. It is becoming clear that taking care of yourself is just as important as getting a good grade on a final exam.
In the end, the last few weeks of school are a huge test of how much we can handle. While the late nights and long study sessions are difficult, they lead to a great feeling of accomplishment. Once the last bell rings and the exams are over, everyone can walk out of the building knowing they finished the year strong. After all the hard work, summer break will feel like it was truly earned.
