Seniors at Colonie Central High School express concerns they may have as College approaches

By Samia Musleh

May 28, 2025

Recently at Colonie Central High School students have been preparing for end of the year activities, and of course, graduation. However, that also comes with facing a harsh reality, letting go of your childhood and attending college. 

As some prepare for the workload, others are preparing to leave their families friends, and their hometown behind. 

“It’s so surreal. I lived in Colonie all my life and Syracuse is 3 hours away. I’m going to be 3 hours away from all my loved ones and I think that’s starting to hit now” said Alishba Nadeem.

Although this is a common trend of emotions for many seniors, it’s definitely not the only one. At the end of May, excitement is also common. Especially with many classes being done with and final exams already taken. 

“Honestly, it was really the AP exams that have kind of distracted me from realizing how close the future was approaching. I was so distracted with studying that I haven’t even realized in 3 months I’ll be gone from here” Nadeem continued.

As soon as the stress of exams is gone, the mind finds something else to fixate on or the next big thing which would be graduation and everything else that comes after that.

Even the seniors pursuing their education close to home feel like they are finally saying goodbye to their childhood. 

“I’m ready to officially establish myself. I feel like high school, middle school, elementary and all that was kind of like a prep for the real world, which officially starts at college. Even though I’ll still be in state, it’s a huge change for myself and I’ve already accepted letting go of my childhood and pursuing the future at UAlbany. For me, It’s not a matter of location but the overall step towards my goal” said Heya Debnath. 

 No longer will there be hall monitors to check on students, teachers to constantly remind students of their duties, or having so much or your childhood friends in the same building. No longer will there be 45 minute classes with breaks in between. No more school buses to stare out into space from on a cold Tuesday morning. It’s almost like an approaching memory. It’s still here for now but only waiting to be sealed away. 

For many, this is the first step into adulthood. College will test students' responsibility in a way high school did not. And that’s what terrifies students. 

“I consider myself a good student. I finish my work before the deadline and I do it right, usually. But in college, I heard we don’t have those constant reminders and although I don’t really need them, It’s kind of sad in a way. I’ll miss having teachers who care” said Shada Ali. 

Of course, this doesn't mean that professors don’t care as much as teachers do but it’s a well known fact that you’re treated as an adult in college because…you are one. A hard fact for many to accept. And the common fear of letting go of childhood and adolescence for many seniors prevails. 

On the other hand, some actually feel prepared. 

“I take these 12 years as training for the real world so I feel ready. Will I probably be humbled at times? Probably. But making mistakes is what leads you to success” said Debnath.

One thing that can be agreed upon is that change is approaching and it’s prevalent. Everybody is aware of the next prominent chapter in their lives and are viewing it in different manners. Regardless, it’s a tough but rewarding moment.