Spring is here, with its funky, unpredictable weather. But it is definitely here! Spring is a time when there is regrowth, inspiration, and promise. It is when the doldrums of winter are left behind, and we can now focus on the newness of life.
Entering April, it is time to buckle down and prepare for upcoming exams – AP, IB, A Level etc… and it is a time to look forward. Not too earnestly yet because the former responsibilities carry plenty of weight and anxiety. But they are apart of your now and your future. They best attended too with the maximum of effort.
How you foresee your future depends on how you approach this period of reinvigoration. Focus to get the most out of your courses so that you may be prepared for the future, whether that future means another year in high school or setting off to college.
Speaking of which, choosing that final school is now in the final phase if you haven’t yet deposited or notified the school you will attend. It can be a daunting prospect to choose that one place where your future will begin anew. I spent the weekend with my daughter doing just that. She has been doing the final bits of research to help her make that final choice. She has reached out to students attending those schools, “Liked” the schools Facebook page, used Niche.com to do further research, spent time investigating courses, programs, and majors. She is both excited and a bit nervous. She’s almost there.
For seniors, you are in the middle of a transition – ending the past and choosing your future. Final exams mean the end of life as you know it. Friends, teachers, and familiar environments will soon be left behind for a whole new world of experiences. Lots of things are coming to a close for you, and a whole new beginning awaits. Being too hasty to get to the future is not a good thing. Spend some time relishing the present; it will be gone too soon. While you’re preparing to leave, make sure that your time is focused on good friends, make a positive final impression. High school is a great time and though you may be ready to get on out and move forward; do so one-step at a time.
I’ve seen too many students think lightly of the present, particularly final exams only to be rejected over the summer when those results come out. Be aware that colleges and universities around the world are expecting you to put forth the effort to either attain or surpass predicted results sent earlier this year to your colleges.
While I was hanging out with my daughter at her school last week, I was both proud and sad for her. She has made good friends. Friends, many of whom will be in her life for years to come. Her school is very much a part of who she is and who she has become. It was not easy; there were trying times, even really hard ones. But those times, good and bad have shaped her character. She is sad to leave and inching toward graduation when it all comes to an end.
It is also quite interesting to see her become her own woman. Not quite self-assured, but getting there; making positive decisions and reflecting on important factors. So as this final academic year comes to a slow close, I see her thinking of making steps – thinking of working over the summer (her first job ever!), taking a stand on certain issues and releasing herself from those meaningful bonds of friendship and school while preparing for new ones to be made once university starts.
Spring is an exciting time. Warm weather, sunshine, new beginnings and things coming to a close. Do things right, do the right things and you will have no regrets. Live in the spirit of rejuvenation, anticipation, and bring to a close this chapter of your life. Inspire yourself to do the best and be the best you can be. Finally, challenge yourself to grow into that young woman or man that you want to be!
Photo: theolddeanery.co.uk/
