Walking across the stage at graduation and grabbing the high school diploma is the event that marks the end of childhood for many seniors. It is akin to closing the chapter of childhood and beginning adulthood. The world is now an open book, ready for this senior class to dive in and write their own story.

The newfound freedom and all the opportunities are exciting. However, as Eleanor Roosevelt said, “With great freedom, comes great responsibility.” Whether the future of seniors entails college, the military, entering the workforce or more, it will be a journey of increased independence. 

Many seniors have always had their parents or guardians there to help teach them new things, work through problems and help provide for them. However, in these new journeys, parents, guardians and systems of support will not be as prominent. Being more independent means gaining new responsibilities.

There will be a great deal of changes but that is nothing this senior class cannot work through. If this class can get through COVID-19 changing some of the most crucial moments in their young lives, then they can get through anything. 

Although these journeys will be taken independently, that does not mean they have to be entirely alone. With all of these changes, there will be a good amount of stress. However, seniors should not forget they still have those people who love and want to help them as they learn to write the rest of their story. 

Remember to be open and adaptable to those coming changes. Change is inevitable; no year of high school was the same and no year of the rest of this class’s lives will be the same either.

Although change may be scary, try to embrace it. Avoiding change will ultimately end up costing many opportunities and experiences. Being open to change will lead to improvements and achievements throughout life. Understand these new responsibilities, say goodbye to childhood and realize everything ahead.  

Although the senior class may be excited to begin their new journey and assume new responsibilities, make sure to cherish the final moments of the time left in childhood. The present moment is where memories are made; don’t overlook it. Enjoy the last days of high school and the final summer with family and friends. Spend time making lasting memories and be ready to breathe in the new air of freedom.