Sorry freshman, sophomores, and juniors, although your time will come, this edition of my column is directed at the soon to be outgoing class of “double oh seven.” Not that I intend on completely ignoring the rest of the school for the duration of the year, but as everyone will some day find out, the beginning of your senior year is an exciting and, undoubtedly, scary time of one’s life. With that said, I apologize for being selfish and basking in its opportunistic goal. That is exactly what 12th grade is all about: opportunity. Although the majority of my classmates may not be able to take advantage of this opportunity in 4 months when they’re buried under college applications, I sure will because I’m almost done with mine. I don’t mean to sound condescending, but I understand that the decisions I make now will greatly impact my future. I also understand that there will potentially be sacrifices that I will have to make to get into my top college choices be these sacrifices monetary or a departure from the familiar. But, I am eager to take them on because I know either way I’m getting out of the house.

A lot of seniors are looking forward to another pivotal point of their year. Those born before our June graduation date in 1989 are going to become legal adults before the school year is over with. This makes them the age of the majority, which also allows them to legally sign out of school with a “good excuse” of course. This means that those of us who fit this description can forgo things such as, say, English class and still graduate if we pass. When 18 year old students are given the ability to vote, get tattoos, any piercing they like and defy their parents within the arms of the law - life is good. Another good thing for us seniors are opportunities that permit us to leave campus, like internships and open lunch. Although others (juniors) are bravely escaping the parking lot at lunch by slipping by security, we don’t have to worry about detention or suspension from sports games.

My advice to my classmates is get a jump on the game, don’t leave your apps to the last minute and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your senior year on your own terms. A balanced schedule is also key. Last year was the time to pile on the AP and honors courses in hopes of impressing college admissions officers. This year, although rigor of courses is important, make sure you take some “easy” classes too. Friends of mine who have already graduated have advised me to partake in all of the cheesy high school traditions as well. This is your last year, do not regret it. Be nice to your teachers as they are the ones writing your recommendations. Although the former comments are extremely college geared, because that’s the mode my mind is in at the moment, for those exploring different paths after high school, make memories that count. These are the easy days, be it in comparison to college or the workforce, so we seniors currently have it made in the shade. Go to sporting events (although I’m not usually one to be spotted on the sidelines at games) as athletics are a big part of the high school experience, and our football team actually seems to be worth watching this year. Buy your senior tee but not your class ring. I’ve been told “no ring” (sorry Jostens), because next year you’ll want to display school pride in the form of sleep attire in your dorms, not as jewelry. Apparently, in college no one wants to advertise their age outside of their place of residence. Lastly, and most importantly, in the cliché-est (yes, I made that a word) manner of closing a column: ENJOY YOURSELF and HAVE FUN.