As the spring season rolls around the corner, seniors at Fraser High School are preparing for what’s next: College. For these seniors, fall is going to be an exciting yet stressful period in life, and many are struggling to cope with it.

   After all, this is it for seniors. By the time a Senior graduates, they’ve spent almost a quarter of their entire life in high school, and 70% of their lives in primary school, based on the assumption they did not attend Pre-K services. It’s an understatement to say graduating is just another part of life.

   Many students are feeling crushed under the pressure, and Ryn, a senior at Fraser High School, is no different. While they haven’t even officially applied yet, the stress is already weighing down on them.

“It has made me feel less motivated and very scared for the future, and has left me struggling to want to complete any assignments,” Ryn says. They explain that every part of the process of applying is scary. Dorming, waiting for a response, all parts of this process has its toll.

   Ryn isn’t the only example of this. When surveying 101 seniors about their mental health in terms of post-graduate plans, 62% of seniors stated that they found their situation to be stressful.

   Of these 101 seniors, 34% stated that money was their biggest concern, 16% stated they were worried about the unfamiliarity, 15% were worried about moving on to a more meaningful career, and 11% were stuck on choosing a major. 

   While these percentages may seem like just numbers, they actually say a lot about senior’s major fears: money and uncertainty. After all, the world operates on money and roles in society, and so far, us high school students have been just that– high school students– now that our role is changing, our lives are changing as well. Will we be able to support ourselves? Our future families? What is going to come of us?

   Luckily, us seniors don’t have to go through this stress alone. Reaching out to family, friends, and even counselors here at school is an excellent way to destress; there’s nothing like talking to people you trust.

   If talking isn’t something you want to do, many websites and youtube videos online can guide you through this stressful period of life.

   College is scary, but it’s important to recognize that you most certainly are not alone, and reaching out for help is as easy as a few words.