In just a few short months, the IHS class of 2024 will put on their caps and gowns and walk on the school grounds for the last time as students. With this chapter of life closing, students are forced to think of what comes after. For many, it means the end of their education, and for many more, high school may have just been the beginning. So how does the class of 2024 feel about graduating?

In a survey sent to this year’s senior class, respondents were tasked with answering a few quick questions. The first of these questions was how they felt emotionally about graduating. In the survey, 60% of respondents felt bittersweet about graduating. One of these students was Nate Kristian, who said, “I’m happy to move on and not have to deal with all the downsides of high school. At the same time, it’s jarring to move away from habits I’ve had for four years, like seeing the same people.” Nate’s opinion is one of many that finishing high school is a time of happiness and sadness because you gain more freedom but lose the people you’ve grown up with.

With graduation looming, students have to create plans for what they want to do after high school. In the survey, 60% of students had an idea of what they wanted to do, 28.6% had a definite plan, and 11.4% said they were going with the flow. One of the most common plans for the IHS class of 2024 was to attend college, but is that the right move for everybody?

When school guidance counselor Justine May was interviewed about this topic, she had this to say when asked if college was for everyone, “No. I think everyone should explore their own path. It’s appropriate, but research what you’d like to do.” College is pushed on most students by parents, but it isn’t always the right choice. Students should be weighing the pros and cons of college and deciding from there.”

River Smith, a member of the graduating class, was asked how he felt about his future after high school. He responded with: “I feel confident enough to get through college, but I don’t know where my life will go after that.” His plans for the future are shared by many of the 2024 graduating class. People know their immediate future but are still undecided about life further down the road.

For the many students who have no idea what they want to do, don’t worry. When Ms. May was asked what the best move for unsure graduating seniors was, she answered: “I think meeting with a counselor and exploring options. Participating in things like career days and job shadowing is great for students. Seeing what kind of paths are out there is key for students.” It is never too late to figure out what you want to do, so if you are undecided about a future, go get exposed. Letting yourself see all these options will help you know where you want your life to go

Soon the class of 2024 will no longer be Ipswich High School students. The graduates will be filled with mixed emotions of happiness and sadness. The future will become the present and once students will become adults. With one door closing, many more are opened for this class of seniors.