It’s been an exciting school year here at Archbishop Walsh Academy/Southern Tier Catholic School. There are still a few months left – which may feel like they’re crawling by for students craving summer R&R – but it’s still important to finish the school year strong.
Especially for our soon-to-be graduates.
We’re sure you’ve heard of “senioritis.” After years in elementary, middle and high school, many seniors are understandably eager to move on. Most of our Walsh seniors, we’re proud to say, have already received their college and university acceptance letters, or are otherwise busy planning career or military futures. With these important stepping stones figured out, it’s natural to want to coast to graduation.
The excitement is palpable. But before you can throw your cap in the air and move on to the next chapter of your life, there’s still work to do.
4 Tips for Finishing Senior Year Strong & Moving Forward with Momentum
That’s the key thing: momentum. Seniors can still have fun while staying busy and motivated to build momentum for that next step. Because the next step – adulthood – is the real challenge.
Here are some tips to finish strong and make the most of the last few months of school.
1. Stay Focused
It’s easy to get distracted by the excitement of graduation and to start slacking off in classes, but it’s important to maintain focus. You’ve worked hard all year to get to this point, so don’t let your grades slip now. Keep studying, attending classes and submitting assignments on time.
Grades still matter! Figuring it out still matters! Because lessons learned late in your senior year still build a foundation of skills and knowledge needed at the next level.
2. Seek Help
If you’re struggling in any of your classes, don’t be afraid to seek help. That also goes for personal issues – because while the future is exciting, the unknown can also be unnerving.
Reach out to your teachers, tutors or fellow classmates for support. We also have college counselors here to put current and next steps in perspective. They can provide you with the resources you need to succeed and finish the school year strong.
It’s also helpful to lean on your faith. Walsh/STCS is a private Catholic school, but we’re inclusive of all faith traditions. So whatever your faith-based values, don’t underestimate the power of prayer and personal reflection.
3. Manage Your Time
As the end of the school year approaches, your schedule will likely become busier with final exams, projects and other deadlines. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to manage your time wisely. Create a schedule and prioritize your tasks so that you can complete them on time.
Some seniors experiencing “senioritis” may feel justified in procrastinating or avoiding certain tasks entirely. But time management is a critical skill in both college and the workforce. Professors and bosses don’t tolerate lazy and late, so don’t get in the habit.
4. Celebrate Your Achievements
It’s important to celebrate your achievements and reflect on all the hard work you’ve put in over the past year and throughout your academic career. You’re nearing the end of one journey and about to embark on another. You’re due congratulations and acknowledgement.
Perhaps great grades were your thing. Or sports. Or chess club, debate team, or some combination of it all. It’s all worth celebrating!
Whether it’s a small celebration with friends or a big party with family, take time to acknowledge and appreciate all that you’ve accomplished. That feeling of accomplishment should motivate you! Celebrate responsibly and be ready to get back in the focused frame of mind.
Stay Positive, Stay Focused & Finish Your Senior Year Ready for the Future
The end of your senior year in high school can be stressful. It’s exciting. It’s uncertain. It’s easy to lose focus. But it’s important to stay positive and oriented toward your goals. Stay motivated and remember that the hard work you put in now will pay off in your collegiate and professional careers.
Finishing senior year strong puts the icing on the cake of your high school career and builds momentum for success in the future. So let’s make the most of your last few weeks here at Walsh/STCS and walk across that stage with pride. Congratulations on your accomplishments, and best of luck in your future endeavors!
Here at Walsh/STCS, we celebrate a 100% graduation rate and more than 94% of our graduates are college-bound. The Class of 2022 last year collectively earned more than $2.5 million in scholarships. Prospective students and families with college in your future, book a tour with us and let’s chat about your path forward!