As the end of the year approaches, many students have had to think about their plans for the next school year. Seniors have had to plan for their next chapter after high school.
Adjusting to big changes is always difficult, but getting advice can help.
Three Plainfield East alumni, Zoe Hartsfield, Hayden Valkema, and Delanie Oestreich, all mentioned how moving to a new city was one of the biggest challenges for them.
“Honestly, moving to a new area. It was hard at first, but after being here long enough, everything just seems normal,” Oestreich said.
When in a new place, one thing to expect is the new people who will also be there.
Valkema and Hartsfield agree that one of their greatest challenges was meeting a completely new group of people with the same interests. Even so, Valkema states that was one of his favorite parts of college.
While meeting people of similar interests was challenging, it was also one of the greatest things. Many of these people they’ve met were in the classes they’re taking. It’s important for people to take classes that they’re interested in.
“Pursuing subjects I’m truly passionate about has been a game changer,” said Rayne Branch, PEHS alumni.
Oestreich says it has been fun and interesting to learn about the things she is passionate about, even more so when surrounded by people pursuing similar careers.
She believes a great thing that accompanies being surrounded by new people is what can be learned from them.
“Many of my classmates and coworkers are adults who’ve been in the world a lot longer than I have. It’s nice to hear what their experiences have been like and bond with people from different walks of life than mine,” Oestreich said.
While it’s important to think about the future, every alumni mentions important things to remember while still in high school.
“My advice for future seniors is to keep showing up,” said Hartsfield. “Keep going to those auditions. Keep trying out for sports teams. Keep attending those boring eight-a.m. classes even though you might think they are useless. Even if you didn’t make the choir you wanted to, keep going because it will allow you to perfect your craft and bring you to new heights.”
As for classes, Oestreich recommends taking a dual-credit math class. She mentions how many people change their degrees multiple times and how many require at least one semester of math.
Branch and Valkema mention how sometimes people can get caught up in things. Take time to enjoy life in and out of school, but don’t get too caught up in a way that leads to stress.
“While school might feel like your entire world when you’re in it, keep pushing forward. Trust me, when you finally walk across that stage, the journey will feel worth every challenge. Congratulations, you made it!” Branch said.