Whispers On The Way Out
As the school year draws nearer to its end so are most seniors preparing to make the journey to college. I wanted to dedicate a piece to these students encompassing their feelings towards taking the next big step in their lives by providing their words on the matter. Simultaneously shown here is their advice to underclassmen who may be worried about their futures.
What are your thoughts on leaving home for school?
“Although I am nervous about being on my own, it is an exciting new chapter in my life. I’ll be able to meet new people, learn new lessons, and just grow as a person in a new environment that’s completely different from high school.” – Saniyah Hicks
“As someone who’s lived in Leonia all my life, I have mixed feelings leaving home for school. Compared to the recurring familiar faces I’ve become accustomed to, the idea of completely restarting anew leaves me both intimidated and excited. Even so, the opportunity to reinvent myself and adapt to live more independently is one I can say I’m greatly looking forward to.”
– Kenneth Borrero
“I’m very excited to be out of the house. Overall, I feel I am outgrowing my childhood, and I need space (both literal and metaphorical) to spread my wings as I mature into an adult. After all, the next chapter in any work necessitates a change in setting.” – Emery Jacobowitz
What would you say to underclassmen that may feel worried about the college process?
“To anyone who’s worried, just know that the real stress of the process only really comes from when you start it. If you start applications during Winter break , you’d pull your hair out. (I would know, since I’ve been there.) Get ahead of it early. It doesn’t need to be all at once. Start during the summer, and try getting through one school per week. Believe me, if you go about it like this, apps will be a walk in the park. And for those who’re worried about where they’ll get accepted, (take this as you will) a piece of advice I’ve always gotten has been : “you will end up where you’re meant to be.” – Kenneth Borrero
“Don’t stress too much about it, everything will work out, I promise. Even if you don’t get into your dream school, you’re gonna be happy where you end up.” – Maya Kanovsky
“Do not let anxiety define your worldview. Do the best that you can, and project confidence without shackling your actions behind intrusive doubts. The stress may be unavoidable, and the college process unpredictable, but you will always have total control over your mind and actions. In the words of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, “The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Emery Jacobowitz
Though the road away from childhood may seem daunting, Leonia alumni have the background to persevere. We can overcome any challenge in our way so long as our heads are leveled and our goals are clear. Happy graduation to my fellow seniors and best of luck to all who will graduate some day!
