On average, you are in school for about 13 years. Most people spend their whole childhood in school, whether that be elementary, middle or high school. For some, leaving school can be a very emotional experience because they were there for so long.

“It is a bittersweet feeling,” Ayman Amerin said. “I like high school because it is fun and I am happy to grow more and explore new things. But it is also sad knowing that I am going to be leaving a lot of my friends behind.”

Other times, highschoolers may want to leave school. People need changes if they get too tired of a routine or if they get burnt out of the situation they are in.

“I cannot wait to finish high school, I am very excited to move on,” Emma Giambalvo said. “High School is great but sometimes you need a change and I am ready for something different.”

With high school coming to an end soon, seniors are realizing just how much time they have left. As you get older, you usually think of high school differently than you did when you were a freshman.

“It is mainly just my mentality that has changed,” Amerin said. “I appreciate high school a lot more than I did before.”

Since your mentality is different, you tend to focus on different things. Many people tend to not put school work first when they are in ninth grade, compared to when they are in 12th. People realize there is not much time left to get caught up or that it really does matter what your grades are and will start to put in a lot more effort than before.

“I have noticed a huge improvement overall in my music and grades,” Giambalvo said. “My freshman year was not very strong but since college is starting out in the fall, I am excited about that.”

It is common nature to overthink and have regrets. As someone gets older, you tend to have more regrets or things that they would do differently. Some people let their personalities get the best of them and they end up not doing the things they would like to do; not taking advantage of the good things in high school. This can lead to regrets.

“I wish I was a little bit more involved during my freshman year,” Amerin said. “I was thinking about joining things but never ended up doing it and I wish I took advantage of those opportunities.”

During high school, people are meant to make memories. It is good to take time to appreciate the good things in life and use that to have some fun every once in a while.

“Honestly my whole senior year has been a highlight for me,” Giambalvo said. “Just doing everything for the final time and celebrating, getting to be sad with your friends. But also being happy for them, It is all just amazing.”