The last months before graduation are when every senior is thinking about the future, whether they are going to pursue college, or decide to take a different direction, which will all lead to part of our own unique lives. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education stated, “During the fall of 2024 undergraduate enrollment was up 6.5% more than the fall of 2023.” So, more students decided to go to college in 2024 than the previous year. With that in mind, college still isn’t what everyone decides to do and that’s okay. Despite the anxious feelings that come along with moving onto college, or taking a different path, we are all ready and capable of taking these next steps in our lives. The change may be difficult for some of us, but after time we will adjust.
Harvard-educated psychiatrist Dr. Shimi Kang shares, “Moving away can foster independence, personal growth, and a broader worldview. It can be a chance to explore new cultures and experiences, which can be invaluable in personal development.” So, just like with anything new, moving on is going to take time to get used to, but good is going to come out of it. Additionally, I think it’s safe to say all of us seniors have been counting down the days until graduation and it’s just a matter of pushing through until the end, where we then get to walk across the stage and onto a new path.
Seniors Ava Zeroulias, Bianca Fatu, and Addison Pillis have shared their plans for next year. Ava is going to attend UMass Lowell in the fall, with the intent of studying health science to be a Radiologist or an X-ray technician. Ava said, “I am really interested in the field of medicine. I can’t wait for my own experience and be able to take classes that I am interested in.” During Ava’s time at Ipswich, she has been a part of the school’s orchestra for multiple years. Although Ava is someone who wants to stay close to home, she still wants to take the leap of studying abroad during one of her semesters. She wishes to study in Greece, or Iceland if that is offered. She feels that UMass Lowell is a good fit for her, explaining, “It isn’t a bad drive, so I don’t mind driving back and forth a few days a week.” In all, with minor nervousness about college, Ava tells us, “After graduation, I am looking forward to getting relief knowing that I made it out of high school and got my diploma. I am going to miss the friendships I’ve made while going to Ipswich schools, but a new chapter of my life is starting!”
As for Bianca, she is still deciding on a college, similar to a lot of seniors. She is torn between Harvard, Babson, and MIT. Bianca is interested in pursuing a degree in Real Estate Law and Finance. She has been a part of the girls’ tennis team in the past. She is also president of the DECA club and captain of the Math Team. She took the Business and Entrepreneurship class, involving a trip to the National Youth Competition for Entrepreneurship where she received money as a reward. So, she has made her experience at Ipswich well spent. As for going to college, she says, “I want to be able to get professional experiences, a degree, and good internships.” In addition, she expresses, “I’m excited to customize my dorm to be a place that I will find comfort in.” Bianca looks forward to meeting new people, walking around campus, joining clubs and activities, and taking the college experience in. Bianca wishes to study abroad in Spain or Dubai someday as well. As much as Bianca is looking forward to college, she says, “It’s going to be sad leaving everyone here, especially my friends and my family.”
Regarding Addison Pillis, not only is she a part of the chamber, symphony, and concert orchestra, NHS, and co-president of the Environmental Club, she is also a valuable member of the high school volleyball team, which has been state champion multiple years in a row. Addison is committed to Colby College to continue her athletic career by playing volleyball for them. She says, “I am very excited. I am undecided on my major, but I am possibly going to minor in Spanish.” Addison is looking forward most to playing volleyball and is also looking forward to traveling abroad in college. She reflected on the emotions of moving on by saying, “It’s sad high school is almost at the end, but we’re ready and it’s time. I am looking forward to graduating, to finish strong and pull through!”
These seniors have reminded us to look ahead to what is to come but take the past memories along with us. In all, in these last moments of high school, we have to soak in while we can. It’s alright to be nervous about what comes next. But, you always must remember you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to. In the end, you should look back on your life and be proud of the person you have become. You should want to live every day to the fullest, and pick up new things along the way, meet new people, and the list goes on. So, all of you seniors counting down until graduation, we are almost at the point where our own lives start. We have all come so far and whatever we all decide to do next is going to be remarkable.
