It’s that time of year again: EOC tests, AP exams, finals, constant gradebook updates, full to-do lists, and dwindling motivation. The seniors are asleep in class, the freshmen still sleep at night (crazy), and the sophomores and juniors just can’t wait for summer break. Here’s what your grade says about the state of your wellbeing in the second semester.
The Freshman
You didn’t think this year was too bad, and because you watched so many high school movies, you were surprised you survived the year without getting thrown in a locker. You’re grinding getting ready for your AP Government exam in May, and if you are an overachiever and also took AP Human Geography freshman year, you’ve been making daily skybridge jokes since you found out your AP exams were on the same day. You’re counting down the days until summer and frantically trying to get signatures for your student class election packet. You have big dreams of making a difference next year. You think you’re a special little snowflake, and high school is your time to shine. Some of you are failing four classes and are now searching for extra credit after your senior friend told you freshman year grades do in fact matter. The rest of you are standing at your teachers desk begging him or her to raise your essay grade from a 95 to a 98. Either way, this year felt like it went by quickly, but these past few weeks have felt like years. You can’t wait for summer break, and you definitely have a summer countdown pulled up on your Chromebook.
The Sophomores
You thought this year would be good: you’re all grown up now, right? Then chemistry crushed your dreams. You drank a Celcius for the first time, and now we’re all worried for your wellbeing. You’ve made 26 study packets and quizlets for final exams because you have to get all A’s again. It was easy last year, but now that 87 in your world language class is making you question everything. You’ve spent every dollar your unemployed self has on Starbucks runs. Summer’s coming. You’re already kind of missing the people in your fourth period class, and that one English teacher that believes in you. You’re trying to make it through, but you’re also willing time to slow down, both so you can get your 87 to an A and so the seniors won’t leave so fast.
The Juniors
You kind of forgot what living felt like. You decided it would be a great idea to take six AP classes this year, and you regretted it after day one. You have to stick motivational quotes to everything to keep going. You and your friends sit on FaceTime for hours doing homework, crying, screaming, and staring blankly at the screen. You wrote a whole paper about how beneficial mental health days are for students, but you can’t even get sick without falling behind at school. Your Needoh is single-handedly giving you sanity. You get home from school most days and realize you’ve only eaten a piece of chocolate and some random pretzels someone gave you in seventh period. Then, you drink your second energy drink of the day: one Alani just doesn’t cut it anymore, especially on the days you’re trying to register for dual enrollment. You have a strong belief in floor time, and you cannot make it through a day without a sweet treat. You’re mourning the seniors even though they’re not yet gone, but honestly, you can’t wait for this year to end. “One more year!”
The Seniors
By this time in the year, we don’t see you anymore. You’re either asleep at your desk, trying to find a roommate online, or absent four out of five days in a week. The juniors are mourning your graduation like you’re dying, but you just can’t wait to get out. School is not your top priority: there are trips and grad parties to plan! When you are at school, you’re probably staring blankly at the wall or board, not a thought in your head. You started wearing PJ pants to school this semester, and you never looked back. Your teachers and parents are trying to motivate you, but nothing will help put a single thought behind your glazed-over eyes. You made it, it’s ok. If you sent your transcripts to your college: you can give up now. At least a little. You stop fighting the senioritis after spring break and just accept it.
No matter where you are in your second semester journey, you’re doing a great job. Summer break is so close! Keep trying, even just a little. And get a sweet treat if you have to. Those always help.
