Bittersweet Seasons: Joy and Heaviness in Senior Year

I’m going to be honest—people hype up senior year of high school so much, and it’s okay if it doesn’t live up to all that hype.

Senior year brings so much joy: senior skip day, college decisions, senior privileges, being the “top dog” of the school—the list really does go on.

But as much joy as it brings, it can also feel heavy. You’re leaving behind everything you’ve ever known. You’re trying to pick the “perfect” place for the next four years, or even just trying to figure out what comes next. You’re saying goodbye to teachers who have shaped your life in incredible ways—the list could go on.

For me, I may know where I’m going to college and what I’m studying, and I’m so excited for that next chapter. But saying goodbye to the one I’m in now is heavy. It has brought many tears, as well as countless smiles.

Leaving my small school, where I’ve been since 8th grade, comes with a whirlwind of emotions. There are teachers who have pushed me, encouraged me, and sat with me through every season I’ve walked through. In my highest highs, they celebrate with me. In my lowest lows, they sit beside me until the storm passes. I’ve made friends who I know will last a lifetime.

Yet, I know that when I walk across the stage on May 23rd and turn my tassel, the thing I’ll be most grateful for is how my relationship with Jesus has been strengthened through this season. I can trust that God holds the next chapter, and even the very next step I take.

Walking through this season has been heavy—but alongside that heaviness, there has been so much joy.