By: Jada Sundermeier –
Being the top dog of Southeast can have its pros and cons. Occasionally, you’ll feel on top of the world as you are becoming an adult, but other times you’ll be freaking out because of deadlines, looming school payments, thoughts of moving away from family and friends, and facing a world more demanding and serious than one you’ve ever known.
Senior Macie Rhodes is the co-president of Southeast’s Queen’s Court, the captain of the speech team, and a proud participant of theater. Rhodes is planning on attending North Dakota State University.
“I’m excited to be in this next chapter of my life where I have to pay to go to school,” said Rhodes. “That’s really stupid actually. I don’t want to pay for it but I have to. It’s terrifying.”
Rhodes has many friends that she’ll be leaving behind when she moves out of state. Rather than feeling down about it, she sees an opportunity.
“I’m not going to know anyone but I’m excited to meet new friends,” said Rhodes. “I have this newfound joy of people. Last year and the years before, I was pretty introverted and now I want to know everybody.”
Rhodes started and finished high school almost as a new person.
“When I was an underclassmen I looked at this place more as a prison but then I visited a real prison and that changed my perspective of things,” said Rhodes.
Throughout the four years of high school there are opportunities to make a lot of neat and exciting memories, whether it’s being involved in extracurriculars, taking many classes, or going to a prison.
Senior Brennan Splichal is a secretary of drama club, secretary of NHS, and a member of student council. Splichal is attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
While taking classes and participating in activities in high school, take it one step at a time. Do not over work, but don’t under work.
“I think a lot of people see senior year as ‘I made it past three years of high school, I can be lazy,’” said Splichal. “It can be seen as the year to not care as much. On the flip side, there’s always that group of people who think of their senior year as their last hoorah. They do as much as they can and try to end high school on a good note. That’s what I’ve tried to do as well.”
Senior Arrion Smith participates in DECA, competitive cheer, and is an African American club leader. Smith is attending Colorado State University.
For these seniors, high school has helped shape them into the person they’ll become outside of high school.
“Overall, people say they’re so happy they’re leaving,” said Smith. “I’m not happy I’m leaving, I’m excited to see where my future will take me. Senior year has challenged me as a person; I’ve really grown throughout the year.”
Having stuff pile up may be overwhelming but it’s building you towards a better future and it’s all worth it in the end. Senior year can be a scary but if you choose to make it the best year, it will be.
