Senior year: the golden year of high school. From senior prank to senior assassins, the fun of senior year taunts every underclassman and over-stressed junior. As the reign of top dog soon comes to an end, the dreaded question arises: what’s next?

Everyone dreams of senior year at one point; from the freshies to the overworked juniors, the idea of ruling the school seems so sweet. Senior year is the year where all the hard work pays off, whether it’s getting out early with senior release, planning the dreaded senior prank, partying it up at prom, choosing a college, or finally receiving what you’ve worked four long years for: a diploma.

Though the fun of senior year seems so far away to some people, the reality is it is only one year of your life. The year will come and go, as they all do. It will probably seem too fast, considering time flies when you’re having fun. So, after the year that’s supposedly the "best year of your life" comes and goes, it comes time to face the real world.

The harsh reality can be crushing for some people but, the fact is there is a world outside of high school and worse than that, it deals with issues a little bigger than who’s dating who. That’s not to say as a high schooler you’re completely blind about what’s going on in the world. Many kids know and understand the current issues in the world; some have even experienced them first hand.

As the parental shield is lifted, even with an understanding of current issues, actually having to deal with them in daily life can be a whole new ballgame. Being 18 and free from parents’ reign isn’t all gumdrops and lollipops. Luckily many students have a buffer: college.

The ideal plan for most is college after high school. The first thing that comes to mind at the mention of college is partying and all nighters, which means lots and lots of coffee. College has this amazing illusion of freedom, new experiences, and amazing parties. Remember the work and studies and preparing for your future are really the whole point of going to college, but can’t be found in happy illusions everyone holds about college.

The reality will hit you sooner than you think; as great as college seems the work is no joke. Coffee becomes a necessary drink and all-nighters are all too common when the words term paper are mentioned in class as homework.

For those who don’t choose college the next step is a job. It may seem right now that school is the worst thing ever, but working an eight-hour shift at a minimum wage job is really a step backwards. With no higher education, the job opportunity window is small with a low range of pay. Many high school graduates end up taking multiple jobs at low income wages.

College may seem like a way to escape getting a job, but it’s not like college pays for itself. Many college students still maintain a job while taking class. It’s no easy feat, but sometimes it has to be done to make ends meet. Like they say money doesn’t grow on trees.

No matter what happens after graduation, nothing will ever be the same as it was. The chapter of high school will eventually come to a close, and the glory of being a senior will seem like a small prize to the real world.

The stomping grounds of high school will be in the past. There will be no teachers to point you in the right direction. Some of your friends will be starting a new and different path from you.

The days of high school will be over, but the true adventures of life will be beginning. So the end of senior year may bring new and scary changes, but don’t be too afraid.

Every change brings a new opportunity and the roots of high school and all you’ve learned will help light the way. Although the world may seem so stange and new there are still family and close friends that willstand behind you as your real journey begins. Plus, mom is always there when you need her.