Mahika Rahlan ’26 Sophia Venneri ’26
Nearing the end of the first month of school, it is safe to say that being a senior feels pretty great. Being a senior means a lot of important things. On the surface, it means being at the top of the high school food chain, gaining authority, and enjoying a new sense of freedom. But, on a deeper and more emotional level, being a senior is complex, confusing, and above all, exciting. For the first time, we get to experience all of the special events that we once looked forward to from the sidelines.
We are finally able to participate in the senior traditions that we have watched for the last three years: the campus center lounge, senior sunrise, breakfasts, and countless others. Each one aids in the ongoing excitement, a reminder that this is our time.
However, with the fast-paced nature of senior year also comes the responsibility of college applications in the background. After the first week, when the newness of classes and new year fun wears off, reality starts to settle in, and the looming stress of assessments and college applications hits. Every day is exciting but also stressful. Until November 1st hits, when mid-semester grades are sent to colleges, it often feels like junior year all over again, but with added pressure. Seniors face demanding deadlines, meetings with their college counselors, visiting colleges, meeting the admissions officers who visit EA, and writing a thousand supplemental essays that make us question our writing ability and all the work we’ve done up till now.
Despite the challenges and stress of applying to college, it is important to cherish every moment and day of our last year. In the first class meeting of the year, Mr. Richards said something that really resonated with us. At the end of the meeting, he talked about how it is important to fully appreciate each and every day because each day is a “last”. The way that he put it was simple but effective, reminding us that this was our last first day, and the next day would be our last second day, and so on and so forth. While it seems simple and silly to remind ourselves to appreciate each day, I think it is something that we all need to remember. This is it, this is our last year.
Although it is easy to get swept up in the mix of excitement and stress, do not forget to take full advantage of all of the lasts. Show up for your class in every way possible. Attend every sporting event and cheer the loudest, support the arts and go watch the fall play, embrace the spirit week themes, and take part in the last pep rally dance.
As the class of 2026, let’s leave an unforgettable legacy, one that truly reflects who we are. Strive to be remembered not only by your accomplishments but by your attitude and the energy that you bring to the community. When our time comes to an end in June, we want to know that we made the most of our time in high school, but especially senior year.
