With graduation approaching, numerous feelings mingle within seniors’ heads and hearts. What will they do next? What happens after? How are they going to make this work?

The worry is overwhelming, but the excitement prevails as graduating seniors pick up their caps and gowns, shop for graduation dresses, and decorate their caps— preparing for the significant event that invites a new chapter into their lives.

Independence After Graduation

“I’ll have more freedom and autonomy,” says C.J. Koogle, a senior at Clackamas High School. Koogle is attending Oregon State University this fall, planning to major in biohealth sciences or kinesiology.

Excitement is what comes to mind when he thinks of graduation, because in college, there’ll be “more opportunities to experience new things.”

Regardless of college and career plans after graduation, independence is an essential part of life, which undoubtedly leads to new experiences for the better and the worse. Being away from home and family is reasonably scary, but Koogle points out that his excitement for graduation is partially influenced by the independence that comes with living in a dorm.

Instead of being afraid, Koogle looks forward to being able to work more, simulating his adult life, and finally embracing the independence and security that living away from home creates. Being granted more independence is scary, but it’s rewarding to be able to create a life for yourself rather than relying on others.

New Experiences After Graduation

For some seniors, they look forward to new adventures and memories they’ll make after graduation. Graduating Clackamas High School senior Jameson Lee plans to major in psychology at the University of Oregon. Lee looks forward to “meeting new people, and (having) a new experience.”

“(University of Oregon) is good for my major, especially if I decide to change my major or transfer,” he says. Changing majors or transferring is particularly part of many students’ college journey.

Around 80% of college students switch their majors at least once, and 37% of students transfer to a new institution. 

It may take a gap year of traveling to figure out aspirations, or dreams might appear later on when people realize their major or college isn’t suitable for them. All dreams are different, and they may take quicker or longer to achieve than everyone else.

New experiences after graduation are granted for everyone, though some people may have a much more different experience than others where college is further down the line. Ela Pina Meelia, a senior at Milwaukie High School, is planning to take a gap year for a volunteering program in Southeast Asia after graduation.

“It’s called Pacific Discovery, kind of like a mix of touring and then classes and trying experiences, and then volunteering,” she explains. She’ll be traveling to different countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. 

“I’m excited to move on to the next step and meet new people,” Pina Meelia says.

Compared to the majority of students who go to college right after graduation, Pina Meelia believes it would be a waste of money to go now. “I think it would be better to take a gap year. (College) is so expensive and it’s a big step to take, and it might change because I feel like a lot of people do change,” she says.

It’s important to keep in mind that people’s pathways to their goals are different from others and they shouldn’t feel pressured to match the pace of others to get caught up.

Advice for Incoming Seniors from Graduating Seniors

As a freshman, high school seems far from being finished— it might even feel infinite. However, those years go by quickly. Before you realize it, you’re already paying for your gown and cap, experiencing your last assembly, and walking through your elementary school.

During Senior Walk, seniors walk through the hallways of elementary schools, hands out for high-fives, holding back tears of happiness as they reminisce about their years in elementary and middle school. 

Elementary kids are as eager to experience the Senior Walk because older kids are the ones younger kids look up to; that includes giving advice to younger grades.

“Good luck,” Koogle says. “Don’t take calculus.”

Adds Lee: “Do your homework. Lock in.”

“Enjoy your last year, don’t get too stressed out, just experience everything,” Pina Meelia advises. “Take advantage of the time you have. Last year I felt like I’ve done everything, but this year I’m taking every experience and advantage because it’s my last year.”

Class of 2026 Signing Off

As seniors prepare for the last stretch of high school, remember to cherish your memories, friends, and experiences. Appreciate your hard work, no matter how little or small, because graduating from high school is no easy feat.

“Don’t just worry about getting things right all the time. The whole point of growing up is making mistakes, and if you want something badly enough, go for it,” Koogle says.

Seniors have worked hard, and despite there being more challenges to overcome, don’t let those discourage you from achieving your dreams.

There is no dream too silly, and no dream too big.