Photo by Teionnah Thornton

During C lunch of Feb. 21, senior Nina Calloway picks up her cap and gown for graduation.

Senior year continuously fills students with pressure to decide their entire future. Whether going to college, taking a gap year, technical school, or jumping into a career, senior year ultimately defines where students will go after they walk across the stage at graduation. Academically, senior year can either be the hardest or easiest year of high school, with many students taking advantage of opportunities and others doing anything they can to get to the next step of their life. Senior Molly Esquivel joined the Restaurant Management competition team at Ben Barber this year. 

“It’s been a very interesting and liberating experience because I’ve gotten older and was able to branch outside of just normal school projects and assignments,” Esquivel said.

Many students also took college-level courses to earn credit toward their degree during their senior year to save time and money. AP Biology and AP English offered a popular choice among those interested in various careers. 

“Junior year I didn’t really challenge myself in any subjects,” Esquivel said. “For senior year, I was able to do AP Biology, AP English, and AP studio art, all of which have challenged me academically and made me grow as a person.”

“These courses have helped me get ahead of other students and prepare for college, which has been one of my favorite parts of senior year,” Lott said. “There are so many opportunities I have been able to take advantage of.” 

Senior year is a big milestone for most people, from events like prom to bittersweet graduation, special projects and teachers, and endless college applications, seniors will remember this year for the rest of their lives. 

“Ultimately it has been my main goal to get into college ever since I was like in third grade,” Esquivel said.“This year has gone by so fast but I will miss it.”