Life Beyond the Scope of High School

By Alex Newcomb

Edited by Khaleeda Dawood

May 6, 2022

Seniors are enthusiastic to graduate but sad to leave high school behind. Graduating allows them to begin a new chapter in their lives and start reinvigorated.

Some have loved high school, and some have hated it, but each student will have something to miss.

Jill Price, a South Colonie senior said, “I’m a little upset to leave behind such a great part of my life.”

Students mostly have the same opinions on their experiences. They are looking forward to sleeping in and not having to wake up at 6 AM. Their new college life will allow them to choose classes around their schedule, which they will appreciate. In addition, seniors are glad to gain extra free time and independence.

“I'm looking forward to moving onto bigger, better things, and I think college will provide that,” said Price.

High school hours often get in the way of outside activities and work. In fact, this is one of the major problems students say they face. Moving on from high school will provide them with a chance to get a steady job and work more repeatedly.

Price plans on working through the summer at Applebees, then going to college at UAlbany to major in Human Biology. She will live on campus while continuing to work. Afterward, she will go to medical school to become a doctor and work in a hospital.

Norhan Algazouli, a South Colonie senior said, “It’s bittersweet because we’re leaving everything behind, but we’re just starting.”

Algazouli plans on working at Corelife over the summer, then going to college at SUNY Oswego. She will live on campus and earn a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Political Science to pursue a career in the legal system. She hopes on joining the FBI in the criminal investigation division or becoming a field agent.

Seniors are ecstatic to see new people and different faces. They have been around the same people for many years, and college will allow them to meet others and create new friendships. Seniors are also looking forward to finally getting the right amount of sleep each night, while also having fewer classes in a day. Most are glad to get rid of the six-hour school days, and everyday school work.

“I’m glad that I can leave behind people that I’ve been bound to by force, and the town,” said Algazouli.

Seniors are sad to leave behind friends, peers, and teachers. They are not looking forward to losing contact with their school friends and seeing them less frequently. Teachers have been motivational and provided a helping hand, which students will have to learn to give up.

“I'm a little upset to leave behind such a great part of my life, and all the memories. Once I leave, everything that I remember about this school is gone,” said Price.

In High School, you gain some friends, you lose some friends, and every day is not perfect. There are highs and lows, but it is all part of the experience.