Emma Schultz
In the middle of the school year, many seniors find themselves overwhelmed with the notion of beginning a new life after high school.
With endless options to consider along with the stress of family members never ceasing to ask questions about the future over the holidays, students may feel pressured to make quick decisions.
“My parents have been urging me since Freshman year to make up my mind since it would be here before I knew it,” senior Julia Jeffries said.
One of the most common questions asked by family members are ones relating to college: attendance, room and board, and last but not least, the college of choice for the individual.
While some seniors are more ambitious than others, it is a common misconception that the selectiveness or “ranking” of the college one attends actually defines him or her as a person. In reality, what is most important is whether or not that college will make a student comfortable and happy while attending.
Other factors to consider include the responsibility and even privilege that students must already have before beginning an independent life after high school.
For example, some students do not have the means of paying for college right away. While financial aid and scholarships are available, going to college may place a student in debt for decades to come. This may lead a student to question the overall benefit or gain from attending college right out of high school.
“[I’m paying for college] mostly on a scholarship but I’m gonna need some student loans and I’ll probably pay for the rest,”Jeffries said.
Other factors that may influence a student’s decisions after high school include the idea of taking a gap year. This means taking a year after high school to work or travel before attending college.
A common misconception of the gap year is that students are not as likely to attend college after taking a year off. According to the Wall Street Journal, 90 percent of students who take a gap year end up returning after a year. This goes to show that it is completely within the student’s control of when and if he or she will return.
This gap year experience can be a great benefit to those not sure of his or her plans for the future, or for those who wish to work or have life-changing experiences before attending college.
Yet another choice available to high school seniors is to attend a trade school. Some students at the high school already attend the cosmetology program, which prepares and educates students for attending beauty school in the future.
“I plan on working more after high school trying to find a job in the cosmetology industry because I want to start right away to build up a clientele. I do plan on trying to go to a barber school,” senior Hannah Eisenberg said.
Other trades that students may be interested in are carpentry, landscaping and computer programming.
Overall, the options are endless for seniors in high school and students should choose what to do during their lives not based on the desires of others, but on what he or she truly wants.
“I’m confident since I have a lot of interest in pursuing psychology even if it is a lot of work,” said Jeffries.
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The Scoop on New Years Resolutions
Elissa Stanley
As everyone enters 2019, abundances of New Year’s resolutions are being made. From making plans to stay fit to
trying to stay organized, the world’s goals are set to succeed, or fail.
At the high school, many different goals are being set for the new year.
Senior Alexa Mozqueda plans to “study more and follow directions.” According to statistics, 40 to 45 percent of Americans make one or more resolutions each year.
Statistics show that the top three New Year’s resolutions are weight loss, exercising in general, and stop smoking.75 percent of these resolutions make it to one week, as 71 percent make it to two and 64 percent make it to one
month.
Many Americans do not even make resolutions, as 80% of resolutions fail by February, according to Business Insider. Junior Livi Edwards has decided not to make any resolutions for 2019. “I don’t have any that I could see
succeeding.” says Edwards.
As January begins to wrap up, studies show that it is recommended to enroll in an online course. These courses will help you stick to your resolution(s) as well as create a game plan.
Best of luck to anyone with a resolution they are striving to defeat!
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The Hardships Of Holidays
Emma Schultz
The holidays are usually a time associated with warmth, giving and spending time with family. Although, for some, the holiday season evokes feelings of loneliness and loss.
Loss of a loved one can especially make the holidays a daunting and sorrowful time. Due to the nostalgic feel that the holidays usually bring, it can be especially hard not to think of memories spent with a loved one.
In addition to loss, Seasonal Depression (SAD) may play a key role in the causes of the holiday blues. Reduced levels of sunlight in the fall and winter disrupt one’s biological clock, causing moodiness and sadness.
Symptoms may include feeling depressed most of the day, nearly every day, low energy, loss of interest in activities you recently enjoyed, having trouble sleeping, and changes in appetite or weight.
Less commonly, symptoms may appear in the spring and early summer instead of the fall and winter.
SAD is mostly treated with the use of light therapy, medication and psychotherapy. Although the symptoms only last for a few months out of the year, the symptoms can become serious and those who have recurring suicidal thoughts or risky behavior should seek help.
Another factor that contributes to declining mental health during the holidays is the stress of shopping and planning. With gifts to buy, family members visiting, cooking and decorating to do, it can be easy at times to fall into a “Clark Griswold” mindset: that everything has to be perfect.
According to the Principal Financial Group, 53 percent of people experience financial stress due to holiday spending.
While holiday depression and stress is common and should be understood, it is also important to note that suicide rates are the lowest between Nov., Dec. and Jan. According to the U.S. Center for Health Statistics, the suicide rate in the U.S. is highest between April and August.
The holidays can be a stressful time for many, but being surrounded by the support of friends and family can be a good tool for relaxing and enjoying winter break.
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