Written by Julia Hornyak |

The Morgan School offers many opportunities for freshmen to know exactly what to expect when entering freshmen year. Our high school even has a summer STEP program to introduce them to the school. Upperclassmen offer them advice during this program to help them become acquainted with the school. But what about advice for seniors who are about to leave Morgan?

In the spring we do have a panel of recent graduates come back to talk to the seniors about their experiences, but what about before spring during the most stressful part of senior year? Is there anything else we should know? I decided to reach out to those who have been in our spots before. Below is their advice on how to be successful during senior year:

• “Remember to enjoy your time. Don’t stress over the little things-but also that you have so much that lies ahead of you. So many challenges, good times, and happiness. Remember that, and be ready to embrace all the life ahead of you” -Katie Costello, Class of 2014 
• “Pace yourself. You’ll have so much on your plate such as the common app, AP/honors classes, sports, and you just need to break it down day by day and tell yourself that tonight I’ll sit down with my parents and fill out my FAFSA form. It may be overwhelming, but if you take it step by step and break it into parts, it will make the process much easier” -Head of English Department Paul Serenbetz
• “Be nice to those out of your friend group. Make friends with those you generally wouldn’t talk to. Unite your class before you all go your separate ways. Also, give drugs the cold shoulder” -Vinny Mancini, Class of 2011
• “Do not waste any time. Cherish every minute. You are only young for so long” -Physical Education teacher Pete Gersz
• “Know that there is a time to work and a time for play. Keep them in balance.” -Social Studies teacher Jeffry Motter  
• “Enjoy everyday. Don’t wish high school away especially senior year because time flies so fast. Take advantage of every opportunity. Be friends with everyone, make friends outside of your normal circle especially before everyone goes off in a different direction. Do your work, and don’t let senioritis take over! Appreciate how much help the teachers do for you at Morgan. In college, some teachers won’t even know your name. Thank them for everything they do to make your lives easier.” -Becca Raab, Class of 2013
• “Stay on top of things and listen to your advisory teachers about deadlines. Get involved in all activities because there is a lot you can share with underclassmen since you have been through the same experiences. Reach out to your teachers and guidance counselors for advice and help because they have been through the college process as well. Find a network and do stuff that sets you apart from others, college is a competition” -World Language teacher Kathleen Barrett
• “It takes more than four walls to teach you to grow. Beyond these four walls of a Morgan classroom, you will meet many amazing people, just be accepting of the adventure that is college. Have fun and have the most amazing time of your lives.” -Aj Rai, Class of 2014 
• “Stay organized, make a to-do list and stay on top of it.” -Mathematics teacher Mr. Underwood
• “As a senior, I wish I took advantage of all the scholarship opportunities there were and looked into majors/careers that were available. Even if you think you know what you want to do, getting a better understanding of many different college majors, especially ones you’re not familiar with would be really helpful when entering college” -Alexa Adams, Class of 2013
• “To become completely aware of the egoic voice’s ownerships and technology’s effect to ‘forget your lust for the rich man’s gold.’ Look for the solutions in your life and live in the moment, not the past or future.” -Health teacher Steve Redes
• “Enjoy senior year because it goes by so quickly, and once you’re in the “real” world, you’ll miss high school so much. Don’t take your friends for granted because you won’t get to see them as much once you graduate. Yeah, you’ll make new friends, but it is not the same. College isn’t everything. Honestly, going to a community college and then a university is the best choice because you’re still getting a great education at the community college. Don’t waste all of your money going to a college to party because at community college you still get that same experience, but for so much less. Really just enjoy this last year of true freedom before you’re thrown into the huge stress of growing up.” -Amanda Auger, Class of 2015
• “Pay attention to deadlines in regards to yearbook information, college applications, and financial aid. Everything has a deadline. People will not always offer extensions” – Learning Commons Media Specialist Shannon Robinson
• “Make sure to apply early and get it over with as opposed to waiting. As for college, buy your books used and research your teachers on ratemyprofessor.com. Good teachers make any class better.” -Lucas Edwards, Class of 2014
• “Concentrate on making this last year the best academically, but still have fun” -Learning Commons Assistant Patty Dow
• “Appreciate your high school teachers and learn as much as possible because some professors will not help you succeed. Being at the most expensive school does not make you the best student or the most successful in life; therefore  community colleges and state schools are just as great for a degree. Enjoy your time with your friends and family and tell them how much they mean to you even if it’s corny. Have fun and enjoy the little things like football games, walking down the hall and seeing a familiar face, having a teacher know your name and the little details about you.” -Morgan Shaker, Class of 2014
• “Send your applications early. Make sure to revise your statements and college essays.  Ask someone to proofread your application and essays before you send them in. Don’t forget to thank your teachers for writing letters of recommendation.” -English teacher Leslie Chausse
• “It really does not matter what you do or who you are, the only thing that matters is your personal happiness. Do what you love, be yourself, and you will find your place.” -Nick Sneider, Class of 2013
• “Stay organized, make a list so you do not get overwhelmed. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember who you are and what your goals are. This is you time, you get out of life what you put into it” -Guidance Counselor Joni Capobianco
• “Have fun while you’re still in high school because college is hard. Also, do not let negative people ruin your year.” -Erika Renkl, Class of 2014
• “Experiment and take chances. Challenge yourself by putting yourself in situations that challenge your comfort zone. Be open to new ideas. Introduce yourself to new people. Find areas that you’re passionate about. Celebrate your youth, but revere and respect those of age.” -English teacher Eric Bergman
• “You need clean living and a fast outfield to be successful.” -Mathematics teacher Alan Samet
• “Fill out your applications and scholarships as soon as possible. My personal advice would be to have fun and enjoy the little things, but make sure you get done all the work that needs to be completed. Do not do anything during your last year that could get you in trouble or ruin your chances with a college. Also, attempt to maintain a job and put in a lot of time there because it will benefit you in the future. It is a great thing to have money as a student in college. Lastly, as terrible as morning classes are, take them because you’ll be out of class by noon.” -Jason Comeau, Class of 2014 
• “Work hard because you never know what information you learn now will be useful later.” -Social Studies teacher Chris Zawadski
• “Do what makes you happy. If you want to go to a hairdresser school, then go to a hairdresser school; do not feel like you are entitled to go to a four year college. Too many people feel pressured to follow the same path as everyone else, but the high school four year job path is not for everyone.” -Allie Rivera, Class of 2005
• “Always keep up with your work. It’s easy to fall behind in college. Don’t forget about your family when you leave for college because they made you who you are.” -Spanish teacher Laura Luther
• “Graduating high school is an overwhelming and exciting experience. It is a cocktail of emotion crammed into eight months time. Some things to remember before entering the real world are that not everyone will take the same path as you do, and it is okay for you to stray from the norm. Be confident in your decisions whatever they may be. Life will have its’ ups and downs so make it a habit of constantly setting and achieving personal goals. Before you know it, you’ll be steps closer to achieving your dreams. Always be open to coaching. It is so important to listen to those with experience who can offer advice or redirection. Nothing is personal. Be open to change. Don’t be afraid if you get to college or a job and feel like it’s not the right fit for you. We are all constantly figuring life out and it’s okay to not be 100% certain about something. Lastly, the best way to predict your future is to create it. You’re in control whether you think you are or not so explore what life has to offer. Remember that you’re writing a story for yourself. Best of luck!” -Rachel Sneider, Class of 2014