A seemingly never-ending to-do list on a sticky note sits on my computer anxiously awaiting to be crossed off and thrown away. High school proceeds to feel like this as a senior in 2023. Consisting of assignments that need accomplished, tests that need to be studied for, events that have to be planned and attended, college applications waiting to be touched, and more, high school, similar to my checklist, feels as if it has started to become one itself.
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As an underclassman, high school didn’t have as much of a “to-do” feeling as it does now. Beginning a new chapter of my life was fresh and exhilarating. There was an abundance of motivation and drive to complete assignments, a genuine longing to showcase my skills on tests, and excitement to plan events and attend dances, games, etc., flooded my bones. High school in 2023 is a faded image with faded feelings regarding what it once was and felt like.
There are many ways in which high school began to feel like a never-ending checklist. Immediately after being given an assignment that I need to accomplish, I quickly note it on my sticky note. An impatient open square sits next to it. I go to my next class, and the process repeats. Over and over again. All of my untouched tasks stare at me throughout the day. The abundance of motivation and drive that once shone through to take on my homework has unconsciously turned to more of a need to check a box off to gain a few quick points and move on to the next. As a multi-sport student-athlete, involved in activities and clubs, who values grades, friendships, and fun, it can be arduous to want to work on an assignment solely to gain skills and practice in the subject. It has become less of a desire to do the work and more of an obligation to check one box off of a presumably endless list of open squares.
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Balancing this seemingly ceaseless list of assignments can be exhausting. High school has taken on this exhaust. Other responsibilities that come with being a senior in high school in 2023 include involvement in activities, applying for college, discovering your passion, being active in the community, etc., have become as stressful and ongoing as the list of assignments. These responsibilities seem constant and continual and impossible to complete. The day that all of my boxes are checked off is hopefully soon to come, however, seems like it may never arrive.