The 2025 graduating class is having a difficult transition into adulthood, between combating the stress that comes with applying to college, their personal lives, and financial burdens.
As Dewey’s seniors complete their college applications, many feel burdened as the responsibilities of senior year surge.
“I haven’t been keeping many tabs on colleges because it’s an overwhelming subject for me. I feel a lot of pressure when it comes to college applications, materials, deadlines and being on top of everything,” Winnie Chen, a senior said.
The anxiety of preparing for college doesn’t stop at the applications, other students are struggling with committing to a specific career and learning to differentiate between wanting a reasonable one and their passions.
“I’m not really confident in choosing a career path. I kept pursuing art because it’s something I like and wanted to do,” Ivy Lam, a senior said, “I thought I could make a career out of it. I noticed a lot of artist’s careers are in shambles and it would be more beneficial for me to pursue another career path.”
Although it is imperative to focus on the struggles of students regarding college, it’s important to focus on life outside of college. Many students share the same concern around the state of the economy and moving out.
“I don’t think the economy is supportive for me to move out after high school or college. I’m not financially stable and after college I will still be searching for a job I feel most stable and comfortable in,” Maram Mohmmed, a senior said.
Others are more worried that they would have to live with another person to help pay the rent if they have to move out.
“I wouldn’t move out because I’d have to live with a potential roommate that would probably be unclean and I wouldn’t trust them around my personal belongings,” Lam said.
Keeping in consideration the financial aspect of being an adult, there is also balancing work and social life. However, some students are assured that their relationships will last outside of high school.
“I’m not a person who likes change very often especially when it comes to school and social life,” Mohamed said, “I will maintain the friendships I have built in my teenage years by keeping contact and putting effort into them.”
The latter is also apparent, others believe that friendships formed during their teenage years will most likely not last due to the different obligations they’ll have as an adult.
“There is a possibility of me moving away and it will be harder to maintain and keep in touch but I think friendships made in teenage years will lose touch, depending on how strong the bond is, especially as our lives get more busy with college and adulthood,” Chen said.
As they find themselves becoming too overwhelmed by this school year, graduation, and college, some are seeking out help from trusted adults at school about it.
“I spoke to Ms. Wolkhoff about my college applications and she was helpful with going through the colleges that were more affordable and closest to me,” Lam said.
Students are also reaching out to their friends for comfort as they deal with these stressful changes.
“Talking to friends and teachers about the process and what I need to do has helped me familiarize myself with what my progress should look like,” Chen said.
With these new changes, expectations and responsibilities, seniors have a lot to think about and they’ll have to make essential decisions which will benefit them in the short and long run. It would also be beneficial to them mentally to develop a sense of community as they combat these new challenges.
