By: Alyssa Rubin ‘23, Commentary Editor

The fall of senior year is challenging. Between assessments, extracurriculars, and many adults asking what college you’re applying to, it can become difficult to resist the urge to scream, “Just leave me alone!” Feelings of apprehension and confusion are normal, but they don’t have to take over your entire life. In the past, the administration has made attempts to relieve some of this stress, but this year the results are starting to come to fruition, allowing the seniors to exhale a bit. This major change comes primarily from a new senior privilege: exemption from midterm exams. In her “Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year!” email, Dr. Atwell announced to the entire school that seniors are excused from taking midterms unless they elect to participate. While this may seem like a couple of tests being taken off of the senior’s plates, the administration is sending a message that they support the twelfth grade and care about their mental health. 

December is a busy month for all students with numerous assessments before break, daunting study schedules, and preparations for midterms. But, for seniors, December brings news of the future. With some hanging in suspense about their early decision college results and everyone finishing their applications, December elicits anxiety and fear: fear of losing something you’ve dreamt of, fear of what’s to come, and fear of a transition from childhood to adulthood. On top of this trepidation, seniors are expected to apply themselves fully to assessments, exams, and extracurriculars. It can be hard to focus with both the hope and uncertainty of a major life decision hanging over one’s head. So, although allowing seniors to skip semester exams is not a magical cure to alleviate the anticipation of the future, it is a recognition that students deserve support and consideration for their mental well-being. I, along with many of the seniors, commend and thank all of the administrators and teachers that worked to make this change. 

Although an exemption from midterms is significant, it doesn’t relieve the anxiety felt in response to applications and other major assessments. To receive some insight on how to de-stress, I consulted Paige Schactel, one of the leaders of the School Council initiative, The Mental Health Minute. When asked how to relieve some pressure, Paige says “I think something really important is to just make sure the breaks we’re taking are actually breaks. I think so often when people decide to take time away from academics, they end up just feeling guilty or ashamed for not being productive. In doing so, however, they’re unable to have actual, real productive rest,” Paige notes. She says that the best way to avoid unhelpful breaks is realizing that putting in effort is not synonymous with working until you’re mentally and physically exhausted. When taking breaks, Paige advises going outside for walks and removing yourself from social media and technology. She suggests naming 5 things you can see, 4 things you can hear, 3 things you can feel, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing that you can taste to center yourself. 

High school is an incredibly stressful time filled with academic and social challenges, but that doesn’t mean you need to work until you drop. Taking breaks and relaxing is essential for one’s mental and physical well-being and it’s great to hear that the administration acknowledges this and actively makes changes to support the seniors.