It’s that time of year again when school is letting out for summer break. This old tradition has millions of students across the country basking in their newfound “freedom,” whether it be getting a summer job, participating in an activity or camp or just relaxing.What used to be a way to gather labor for the upcoming harvest now has parents scrambling for options to keep the kids entertained for three months. There is one group for which this time has a greater significance – our high-school seniors.
For them, this isn’t the same event they’ve probably looked forward to for the last 12 school years. This time, their 13th summer break is, in fact, the last. This time, it’s very different. Rather than being a release from school work, it’s a whole new beginning, essentially the start of their adult lives. Whether it’s going to college, technical school, taking a gap year or plunging straight into the full-time workforce, a new path is ahead.
Throughout the years I’ve been in high school, I’ve watched graduation year slip ever closer. Now, finishing this year as a junior, I’m only one year away. When you’re an underclassman, senior year seems so far away. In freshman year, I thought it would be an eternity getting even close to this point. Soon, I’ll be a senior with the Class of 2018, with just a little bit left to go.
It’s also different on the personal level. As I got older, I’ve met more and more people in the higher grades. I didn’t know as many upperclassmen at any point than I do now as a junior. I’ve had the great privilege to meet and collaborate with many seniors in classes, activities and sports. Now the torch will be passed on to next school year’s seniors, who hope to fill the void that was filled by many great young people.
It has been great to learn from the experiences of those who have been in the grades above me – to hear their stories, advice and enthusiasm for the next chapter in life. We’ve had the highs of successes and the lows of losses, close games and meets.
I wish all of the Class of 2017 across our area good luck in all they are doing and what’s ahead of them. I can’t really speak from experience as a younger person, but from all the people I’ve met, I know our cities and rural areas have a bright future. Sometimes we may get a bad impression of youth, with all the technology and cultural antics, but seeing through that finds you some of the most determined, smart and well-rounded people I’ve known.
For all the local students who may be reading this, whatever grade you’re in, be sure to make the most of your time. As I’ve said, it may seem like you have an infinite amount of time to go until you graduate, but this isn’t really the case. Get out there and enjoy the opportunities you have, join a sport or activity, run for student council, get involved in your city. The time will fly. Don’t regret for the rest of your life something you could have tried now.
Be sure to get to know those in the upper grades. Your high-school experience will be so much better from the stories and suggestions you will hear. Many students have things they will recommend. Listen to them and you might just find something you love doing.
For our future students and citizens, I’m confident our cities and rural areas will continue to support a strong educational system that will be a great benefit to every kid in our area. I believe the culture we have here is one that will develop many future leaders and active, productive citizens. Our graduates – and communities – are better for it.
Connor Kockler is a Sauk Rapids-Rice High School student. He enjoys writing, politics and news, among other interests.
