Beyond the Tassel: The Untold Truths of Grade 12

Picture this: you’ve entered your final year of high school, filled with excitement and freedom, discussing prom and the upcoming senior trip with your friends, and counting down the days until graduation, knowing you’re successfully closing one chapter and beginning another. The senior year of high school is often a glorified image, much like the iconic halls of East High from the High School Musical films, where seniors are having the most thrilling time of their lives. However, with such a notion held to a high standard, comes the harsh realization that the glorified senior year may fall short of some individuals’ expectations. In reality, grade 12 may be the hardest year a teenager will have to endure, filled with disappointment, stress, and complete burnout. 

Pressure to do well in Academics

As most senior students know, marks are essential in receiving admission to their program of choice. This has produced one of the central struggles that many senior students in high school have reported facing: the constant feeling of needing to do well in school. There were several occasions I found myself in the guidance counsellor’s office in tears from the anxiety and stress about my grades not being sufficient for post-secondary education. At one point, the grade 12 expectations that I had not being fulfilled, led me to believe that I was not capable enough.

As the weight of my expectations came crashing down upon me, I realized that beyond the glorious image of grade 12 I had in my head, the best grade I could achieve was a healthy mindset.

The pressure for seniors to obtain a perfect academic record for universities can cause a disconnect between oneself and the image projected. By acknowledging this disparity, I am prioritizing my mental health, allowing me to recognize my worth beyond grades.

Fear of the Future

The pressure for grade 12 students to excel in academics to receive admission to their post-secondary program of choice makes life hard enough. To add on to that stress, many students are constantly worrying about the next chapter of their life once they graduate. After all, the transition from high school student to adult–supposedly old enough to make big decisions such as career path, financial management, and gaining independence—can be an intense shift for many, including myself. The fear of the future has been a challenging obstacle I had to overcome this past year, with constantly feeling like I am making the wrong choices leaving me anxious. For instance, while I was in the process of applying for universities, I was torn between the choices of programs and schools I wanted to apply for. I thought that if I made the wrong choice, I wouldn’t be successful in life. However, I have come to realize that it is perfectly normal to be fearful of not having the answer to big decisions. Learning to trust myself is the first step to conquering this fear. Overall, embracing this profound understanding is the key to navigating the challenging transition to adulthood.                                                                                                                

Loss of Friends and Social Changes

Beyond academic pressure and worry about the future, another difficult part of senior year is the dissolution of friendships. As graduation approaches, people begin to break apart, possibly because they have different plans after high school, changing priorities, or are simply growing in different directions. What was once an unbreakable bond can also slowly fade away, so the process of leaving behind high school becomes even more intimidating. I can personally recall the dynamic I entered at the beginning of senior year with friends shifted due to us putting most of our focus on being the perfect applicant for universities to consider. At first, it was bitter to take in, but I have realized change is inevitable.

Not every friendship can endure, but the important ones will outlive time and space. Instead of complaining about the loss, I now treasure the memories, enjoy those remaining, and accept new ones that will come my way.

The senior year of high school is a challenging experience for many students. While this period of one’s life is often glorified by society, many senior students are faced with the pressure to maintain certain grades, the constant worry of the future ahead of them, and the shift in their social life. When seniors who encounter these struggles fail to live up to the expectation society holds of grade 12, it can lead to frustration and a loss of confidence. However, I am here to let current and upcoming seniors know that you are not alone and there is no “correct” way for one to navigate this challenging year. It is perfectly normal to struggle, and it is important to seek support when needed.