As the school year winds down, seniors at Monticello High School are reflecting on the mix of nerves and excitement that comes with closing one chapter and beginning another. With graduation on the horizon, many students say the final months of high school feel both rewarding and overwhelming.
For some, the biggest source of stress is academics. Lauren Good shared that she is most nervous about “a lot of hard tests towards the end of the year in all classes,” explaining that juggling studying with everything else going on has been challenging. Similarly, Chloe Silver noted that the end of the year feels like “a full-time job,” balancing schoolwork with scholarship applications and essays. The pressure of getting into a good college and securing scholarships has added to the stress for many seniors.
Others are feeling anxious about the life changes that come after graduation. Julia Gyorr said that she is nervous about living on her own without her parents and having to meet entirely new people, especially without her closest friends by her side. Good also shared that while she is excited for college, she feels neutral about moving away from home, knowing it will be an adjustment living somewhere completely new.
Despite the nerves, seniors are also looking forward to what lies ahead. Many have clear plans for the fall. Good plans to work as a CNA over the summer before attending nursing school. Gyorr is considering attending either Mizzou or the University of Oklahoma to major in nursing. Silver will attend the University of Illinois to study psychology and is still deciding between a clinical or research path. Makenna Teschke plans to attend college to become a teacher, though she is still deciding where.
While many students have plans in place, some are still working through uncertainty. Teschke shared that she is most nervous about figuring out what she wants to do after high school, explaining that it can be overwhelming to make decisions that shape the rest of her life.
Beyond academics and careers, seniors are excited about the experiences that come with this milestone. Good is especially looking forward to her final soccer season and graduation. Silver shared that she is excited to finally get to live a life of her own and meet new people beyond the walls of Monticello High School. Teschke is looking forward to a relaxing summer spent working and being with her friends.
While emotions range from stressed to sentimental to thrilled, one theme is clear: the Class of 2026 is ready for what comes next. Even with the uncertainty and adjustments ahead, this year’s seniors are embracing the transition.
Skyler Thomas, Staff Writer
thosk26@sages.us
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