When approaching the end of the school year, many seniors are left with mixed feelings about graduation and what is to come. Change causes surpluses of emotions to people and graduation is one of the biggest changes of a person’s life. All around school, seniors feel uniquely about graduation. 

Many seniors feel excited and optimistic about their futures after high school. Many seniors are even experiencing the doomed senioritis and are just excited to be done going to high school. 

Aaliyah Reasoner (12), a captain of Heritage’s varsity cheerleading team loved her time in high school. She feels sad and happy to leave, but very excited for what her future holds.

“I’m feeling very grateful to have the opportunity of graduation. I feel like the education given from Heritage set an amazing foundation into a smooth transition from high school to college. Even though graduation can be intense and scary, I am beyond excited for being one step closer for the future I’ve been awaiting,” said Reasoner. 

Statistically many seniors feel like they are “experiencing a mixture of excitement and fear of the unknown” according to psychotherapist Bernard Luskin. Feeling a strong sadness or fear to leave home or ‘start real life’ are normal. Many seniors do not feel ready to graduate.

Perpetua Nganga (12) is excited to move across the US for college, but feels a bit nervous and homesick about making this drastic move.

“I feel scared for what life after high school has to bring. I am happy to go to college, but I am also fearful for moving to a new state for college,” said Nganga.

Feeling sad about graduation is normal, but feeling prolonged sadness can be detrimental to one’s mental health. Heritage allows students to reside in the Zen Den if a student ever feels like they need a break or just need someone to talk to. Utilizing this tool could be beneficial to any senior during this emotional time.