With deadlines approaching and decisions to be made, seniors worldwide carry the weight of all things college—where they should go, writing application essays, tracking each due date, etc.—all while attempting to be present in their last year of high school.
Yet, the process isn’t all doom and despair—there are also exciting elements.
“The college search process has been stressful but exciting. It was hard at first because I wasn’t sure about what I wanted in a college, but it’s turned out to be really fun because I get to tour lots of new places with my family,” explains Senior Ellie Richards.
By looking forward to the future, students can see a glimpse of the next chapter of their lives. Senior Lila Belle Mutch loves to imagine all the different activities and what her daily routines would be like at each place she’s applying to, silencing any stress in the process.
“It helps me focus on the good that could come out of applications instead of dwelling on the anxieties and pressures of the process,” says Mutch.
However, even with exciting aspects in mind, stress is still inevitable. The time applications require, combined with academic pressures and busy schedules, makes it impossible not to feel the chaos of it all.
“I feel like my head is in a million different places trying to get my school work done, go to practice or rehearsal, gathering my scores, transcripts and applications, that it gets so hectic. I’m being pulled in so many different directions, then all of the sudden I have to wait anxiously for decisions to be made without any control over them,” explains Senior Clara Rogers.
There’s no avoiding those feelings, but there are some measures you can take to combat them. One method that’s entirely in your control is organization.
“Using my calendar is always helpful when I have games, school work and college deadlines, but I try to maintain balance in my life by also being with friends and doing the things I love.” explains Richards.
Another popular way to manage stress is to do activities that calm your mind.
“To manage stress, I find it helps to just take everything one day at a time and not overwhelm myself with the future,” says Rogers.
Actually, Pisgah offers an elective taught by Diane Nardella and Jennifer Scott called the Science of Wellbeing, which is meant to balance the busyness of life.
“That class is experiential, providing opportunities to practice skills that calm the parasympathetic nervous system as well as information about what habits you can build that lead to flourishing,” explains Scott.
Most importantly, it’s vital to remember that the Lord is by your side through it all. Scott explains that this is key to remaining present and sound.
“Remember that the Lord already knows where you will be next year, who your people will be, and what you will be doing. If you have heard nothing else during your time at Pisgah, remember that you have been taught to be rooted in Christ, abide in the Lord, and belong in the Kingdom,” said Scott.
