Senior year is a rollercoaster of emotions. Just like everyone says, it will be one of the best times of your life. However, no one ever warns you about how stressful and sad it can be, and about all of the difficult decisions you are forced to make during it. Lucky for you, I will do the honors.

The stress of senior year doesn’t hit until a couple of months in. At that point, you’ve gotten back into the groove of school when it finally hits you that you’re a senior, and you need to have your future figured out. Suddenly, your life is consumed with going on final college visits, deciding where to apply, filling out college applications, searching for scholarships with criteria that you are applicable for, applying for those scholarships, job shadowing, figuring out what career you want to pursue, making your college decision, trying to find a roommate, and meeting all of the various deadlines for these things. So. Many. Deadlines. Trying to balance all of this while maintaining good grades in difficult classes, participating in various sports and extracurricular activities, working, and having some sort of a social life can take a toll on you. Sometimes you’re just going to need a break, so don’t forget to let yourself off the hook every once in awhile and just take some time off from it all.

With all of the stress of senior year comes the sad reality of it. The end of high school means the end of many things that have become second nature to you. No more walking with your friends between passing periods. No more late night Perkins or Panchero’s after a Friday night football or basketball game. No more Xavier student sections or jersey nights. No more school Masses or Friday Adoration. No more seeing your friends almost every single day. After graduation day, there will probably be classmates you will never see again. For some people, that’s a positive thing, but I love the class of 2018 and will miss hearing about some funny thing someone said or did every day. Cherish the time you have left with your classmates and truly make an effort to get to know everyone.

Even with all of the burdensome parts of senior year, there are plenty of things to look forward to when your high school journey ends. Although Xavier is definitely a blessing, there are some things you won’t miss. No more demerits. No more dress code. No more rushing to get out of the XPL on an early out. No more running to lunch to beat the line. No more petty high school drama. No more early mornings or sitting through eight straight hours of school.

Your time at Xavier High School is a gift, with your senior year being the pinnacle. As each school day passes, graduating high school and everything that comes with it becomes more and more real. Senior year is just one really long, bittersweet moment that is gone in an instant. Don’t get too caught up in your future that you forget to live in the present.

Caitlin Kramer

Sports Editor