Dear Readers,

Congratulations! You made it to the finish line. After a busy year of failed math tests (ended the last one on a bad note, oops), long nights of trying to memorize molecular geometries, and making English essays fit the page limit by decreasing the font size, you have made it.

Seniors, congratulations on making it through these lovely four years of high school. Juniors, we’ve got a busy year ahead of us, but we’ve made it this far and will make it through another year (at least that’s what people tell me). 

Regardless of your plans for the next chapter in your life, take this summer as an opportunity to recharge. Last summer, I learned the hard way that you can easily get burned out by constantly drying your eyes out staring at Khan Academy SAT prep (I still freeze when I see those three letters) while fretting over what the next school year will hold. As a natural over-worrier, I can confidently say it’s not worth it. I spent all summer worrying about the SAT because the voices in my head were saying that if I did badly, I would be going nowhere. But during the school year, when I was so caught up in schoolwork, I didn’t think about my score once. What value did it really hold? I had to ask myself, what’s worth more—a number that I probably won’t look back on in college, or my own self-worth?

When reflecting on this school year, also take a moment to think about what you’re grateful for. Sure, there are a lot of wrongs to come back from, but there are at least as many things to be grateful for. Is there a friend who was a shoulder to cry on when you got a grade that was below a five out of nine on a math test (totally not speaking from experience)? A family member who drove you to all your afterschool activities? A teacher who made themself available to you when no one else did? They are the reason you showed up to school every day this year, so take a moment to thank that friend or family member or teacher.

Whether you’re headed off to college, a job, or another year of high school (sorry, non-seniors), keep in mind your resilience from this year. Be proud of your accomplishments from this year because it was you who made them happen. Remember all the connections you made, the memories of people you laughed with, and the tiny moments that brightened your day. You may be saying goodbye to the school year, but you are also saying hello to what is to come. 

Congratulations to the class of 2024, and good luck with all your future endeavors! 

Until next year,

Nikki