Spring Semester Advice from a Senior
- June Park
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Whew! The Spring Semester is finally upon us. As the buzz of the fall settles down, there is a new freshness in the air, one that encourages students to keep pushing to finish the year off strong. There are many experiences that our tight-knit community shares in common; that said, each grade faces a different collection of hopes and challenges in the semester ahead.
As a senior, I’d like to offer some big-sisterly advice, drawing from my own experiences across the (almost!) four years I’ve spent as a dedicated student, athlete, leader, and friend.
For the 9th-Graders: You’re Doing So Much Better than You Think!
As a senior forum leader, I am very proud of the 9th-graders. This year’s class has been full of bright, passionate students, and I don’t doubt that they will be beyond successful in the coming years.
A ninth grader can feel a little clueless walking into high school, but as spring begins, their routines become familiar, and the campus feels less intimidating. Ninth-grader Nishka Manchanda encourages her peers to “be more intentional about enjoying [this year]. Freshman year has gone by much faster than I expected.” Enjoy the company of your peers, the arts showcases and sports games, and even the boring classes.
Most importantly, don’t worry about reinventing yourself. High school is about becoming more yourself, not changing to fit in with others. Being in a starkly new environment can be a huge challenge, and you might feel compelled to present yourself differently than you naturally would; it’s okay to feel that way. But it’s important to remember that you will only feel whole when you live as your authentic self, and you will be able to find your people wherever you go.
For the 10th-Graders: You’re Locking in Now
Sophomore year often sneaks up on people. You’re no longer new, and things are getting more serious, which can feel daunting.
Tenth-grader Sylvia Yao described the fall semester as a learning curve, but the spring as a moment of confidence. She’s focused on strengthening study habits, balancing academics with activities, and stepping outside her comfort zone. Her biggest piece of advice: time management. “If you have a strong structure starting early, it can only help you moving forward.”
If you’re a sophomore and worried about college already, don’t be. Maybe that sounds like bad advice, but I think that there’s still plenty of time to take things slowly and with a relaxed mind. Just start thinking about solidifying your study habits and routines to ensure that you will do well on your APs and SATs next year. Think about what methods work best for you, like watching an informational video or creating flashcards.
Sophomore year isn’t about having everything figured out yet; it’s about laying solid groundwork. Go for leadership roles, even if they scare you. Growth happens when you push just past what feels comfortable. You’re still young, so try something new! Don’t be afraid to go for that sport you chickened out of last season; reapply to a leadership position if you weren’t accepted last year. As Yao says, “Staying comfortable is easy, but stepping outside your comfort zone helps you gain new experiences and broaden your perspective.” This year is your chance to dig deeper — further into what you’re already loving, and into new territory.
With that said, set more goals for yourself. Yao says that “this semester, I am working to get all As and be more active within the community. I want to contribute more to community service events and… I also want to get a PR for my 100m and relay race in track.” Go, Sylvia! Like Yao, I encourage sophomores to dream big; nothing can stop you.
For the Juniors: Full Steam Ahead!
For juniors, the spring semester often comes with one looming word: college. As the College Center pings out more emails and deadlines creep closer, it’s easy to feel like you’re already behind.
Junior Jenny Hwang shared that while the pressure is real, confidence comes from routine. “Don’t feel like you need to have everything figured out right away. It’s okay to feel lost at first, and that’s a part of the process!” she advised, “Try new things, don’t be afraid to fail, and focus on building genuine relationships rather than just achievements.”
The majority of the juniors who responded to the survey, which I sent to the community to gather information on everyone’s main hopes and goals, as well as Hwang herself, reflect that they are most nervous about “balancing college applications with academics and leadership responsibilities.” To this, I say that you’re allowed to feel nervous, and you’re also allowed to trust that you’re capable of more than you think. College applications are really difficult, and they require a huge amount of time and dedication (and trust me, the upcoming senior fall season is nothing short of terrible), but know that you have worked hard for the past three years to put yourself in a good place to show those colleges who you are. Be proud of what you’ve achieved, because I’m sure you’ve done your best and that’s all that really matters.
As you start your college application process now and ramp things up in the coming fall, make sure to set aside quality time for yourself. Don’t lock yourself up in your room all day, every day, working and worrying; you’ll shine brightest when you are happy, even on paper. Do fun things once in a while: go out for ice cream with friends, catch up on your favorite show, go outside and dip your feet in the waves. Whatever you do, do it with joy in your eyes and hope in your heart.
For the Seniors: End of a Chapter
Cough, cough, senioritis, anyone?
For me, the beginning of this semester has kicked off a new sense of freedom and excitement. Free from the shackles of college applications, I’m grateful for the bit of extra time I have on my hands, and I’m sure many of you would agree. I’ve been having a great time catching up on shows and movies I’ve missed, spending time with friends and family, and putting in more time into things I used to enjoy, like drawing.
However, in this short, almost whimsical period of our lives caught between teenagehood and adulthood, I encourage us all to try something new. I couldn’t think of a better time to try something than now, where we’ve finished harvesting the fruits of success and are just waiting for our new adventures to unfold.
Senior Kyle Figueroa-Rhudy shared that he has started taking a daily polar plunge: “I’m trying out a new schedule of getting up earlier to go on a walk and polar plunge in the morning. That’s a lesson to just try something new.” How inspiring! Waking up even earlier in the morning than I do now for a freezing dive into the ocean sounds… unpleasant, but maybe I’ll give it a try someday.
Figueroa-Rhudy admitted that while he’s excited about college and adulthood, he’s also trying not to rush through his last semester of high school. “It’s tempting to fantasize about the future,” he said, “but I’m trying to savor my last semester of high school.”
Yes, the finish line is close, but don’t miss the view along the way. Show up for your people. Try something new. Take the walk. Take the plunge (literally, if you’re Kyle). These last moments matter.
And to echo Figueroa-Rhudy’s advice to everyone: be yourself. Not the version you think others want, but the one you actually are. He said, “Don’t try to impress anybody because you’re not going to be yourself, and it’s gonna lead to you not being who you want to be. So, just be yourself.”
Wherever you end up, I have all the faith that you will be successful. Do not be afraid to take on a new challenge, and do not compare yourself to others. Over the past four years, I am grateful to have met you all and wish you the best of things in the future. Even though we still have a bit over 100 days left together, I am excited to make those days count. I might be a little early to say this, but I will miss you all and miss this place!
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