Whenever I tell people that I’m a junior, the typical response I get is something along the lines of, “Oh, junior year? Good luck, that’s a hard one!” And every time I hear that, I get visions of my future: it’s 2 a.m., SAT practice tests are stacked in a corner, and I’m busy taking notes for my five AP classes that I procrastinated until the last minute. But contrary to popular belief, I believe there may be more to junior year than stressing over AP exams, SAT prep, and good grades.

   Junior year is known for being a pivotal year in everyone’s high school career. With the prospect of college looming over your head, you’re forced to balance so many factors. I’d be lying if I said I don’t dread the many things I feel compelled to do this year: increasing my extracurriculars, achieving a good SAT score, and maintaining optimal grades, all while getting sufficient sleep every night so I can come to school ready to learn. It’s hard to not be stressed about it especially when it feels like everyone is doing more than you. 

   However, going into junior year with this perspective is equally as damaging. It’s easy to get so caught up in the stress that you forget to enjoy your high school experience. It’s important to know that junior year means you are one year closer to the end of high school. Though there might be added responsibilities, you can handle them in similar fashions as freshman and sophomore year. 

   Junior year has more to offer than 10 AP classes, days of no sleep, and declining mental states. For one thing, being a junior means being an upperclassman now. It’s weird to hear that because watching the spirit assemblies from the freshman section of the bleachers feels like last week. Being an upperclassman means that you’ve officially reached the halfway point of the high school journey. With this new profound realization, you might find yourself appreciating your school dances and dress-up days more.

   For many, junior year is the first year you start thinking deeply about your future. This is what I think is the most intimidating part about it. It’s hard not knowing what you want to do or what’s going to happen, but it’s helpful knowing that everyone goes through the same thing and that we’re in it together.