Published: April 07, 2009 01:32 am      

Bittersweet new beginnings

Class of 2009 looks to the future

Now that spring has finally arrived, students in their senior years have one main goal — get to graduation!

It has been a long 13 years of report cards, field trips, dances, sporting events, friendships, and yes, even some fighting. As May approaches, senior trips, skits, T-shirts and cook-outs are heavily discussed, and everyone begins to think about what that day in May when high school is really over will be like.

“I think graduation will be bittersweet. I’m going to miss my class as a whole, but I’m ready to move on with my life,” Devin Sears said.

That sentiment is echoed by many people in the class of 2009. No one knows exactly what the next few years of life holds, but most are thrilled to start experiencing new things. With that excitement, a lot of seniors also realize there are things they will miss.

David Holmes said, “I feel extremely excited for graduation, but at the same time, I’m going to miss the closeness I share with my friends and teachers from high school.”

Other seniors are thinking mostly about the actual event of graduation. There are fears of tripping on the way to get a diploma, losing the cap before the ceremony, and, of course, botching a speech in front of the entire class and those gathered to see graduation.

Maybe the best way to get an idea of what is ahead is to ask someone who has already experienced the end of high school.

Shawna Richards, a 2008 graduate of Fairmont Senior, said, “I thought the graduation ceremony would last forever because I’d gone previous years and it always felt long. It went pretty quickly since I was nervous about giving a speech and excited about graduating.”

Many seniors are wondering about what life will be like beyond receiving their diploma, in particular, college. Richards said, “Life is very different in college. You get to schedule when you have classes, some of the work is much more difficult and time consuming than high school work and in some classes earning a good grade is much harder. However, once you start making friends, social life is much easier in college than in high school, simply because there is much less drama.”

Angie Brolin, also a 2008 Fairmont Senior graduate, had similar thoughts. She said, “Leaving home at first is extremely hard, but after that it is amazing! You learn how to manage your time, and you are completely on your own. Also the teachers tend to be more laid back.” So what did they get out of high school that graduating senior will find themselves thankful for next year

Shawna Richards said, “In high school, I learned that friends have a big influence on your life, so choosing the right group of people to make friends with is very important. This same principle applies to college.”

With that insight into what the next year may bring, seniors can take comfort. College and life in general will be different, but everyone can make the adjustment. However, high school is not over quite yet. There is still plenty of time to spread some upperclassmen wisdom to younger students. Holmes commented, “High school can bring the worst out of you but just remember who you are and you will be just fine.”

Another senior, Leah Nestor felt a need to assuage younger students’ fears about choosing a college early. “You do not have to decide where you want to go to college until your senior year. Don’t make yourself crazy trying to make a decision before that year,” she advised.

Kathryn Shields urged everyone to get involved. “Don’t be afraid to try clubs and activities you think will be fun. Just enjoy your time while it’s still there,” she said.

Amber Treadway stressed the necessity of spending time with close friends, “Senior year is the last time you will get to see a lot your friends so you should spend time with them and make it year you will cherish forever.”

Graduation is still a few weeks away. In the coming weeks as excitement heightens and the day approaches, members of the Class of 2009 will reminisce about the past 13 years. There will be good-byes to say, tears to shed, but also smiles to share; all the hard-work has led to this moment. It is finally time to graduate!