How Do Seniors Feel About Graduating?

Graduation is just around the corner for our seniors! After four years of hard work, diligence, and unforgettable memories, the Jaguars’ time at ND is coming to an end. For seniors, the past few months have been a rollercoaster of emotions as they hear back from colleges, make commitments, and make important decisions that will impact the rest of their lives. They have shown so much resilience and strength as they navigate this transitional time, so are their thoughts as graduation approaches. 

Brooklyn Morales ‘23, our ASB Vice President, has been accepted to several colleges and will hear from more very soon. She commented, “I’m super excited! A little nervous of what’s to come, but I’m ready to spend this summer with my friends and family before we all leave!”

Morales, who was named “Most Likely to Cheer You Up” in the Senior Superlatives this year, has an optimistic outlook on what’s to come. Other seniors have shown mixed emotions about this approaching big change.

Rebecca Lee ’23 said, “I’m both excited and nervous to graduate. On one hand, I’m really looking forward to college and everything that comes with it, but I will miss seeing my friends everyday.”

Ashley Olson expressed this same idea, saying “Graduating for me is somewhat bitter sweet. I know that I will miss my family and friends a lot when I go off to college, but I’m really excited to explore a new area and my interests in college”. 

Seniors have also made comments about wanting another year of high school, since covid took a year away from them. The Class of 2023’s freshman year was cut short after the COVID-19 pandemic, their entire sophomore year was spent online, and their junior year was their first full “normal” year of high school. Now, they are only a few months away from the next chapter of their lives. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way they toured campuses, took standardized tests, and so much more. In person events weren’t as accessible, but they persevered and found new ways to make the college application experience as smooth as possible. 

The Class of 2023’s graduation symbolizes each senior’s success, and ND wishes them the best of luck on their journey!