The Avon Echo

By Heiabeal Ainom | Reporter

The school system is all students know, and as the end of the year begins to approach, the great question arises: what now?
Seniors are now facing a daunting future after high school, and some are full of anxiety while others are excited to leave. More than half of Avon’s students will pursue further education and with that come some worries.

One of the most common concerns is making friends once students leave high school.
Alumni Andrew Harris describes the dilemma: “You spent at least four years with all the same people and then you go where you know maybe three people.”
Going from people who you have known for most of your life to a place full of strangers can be a major worry. While some people may be worried about meeting new people, extroverts may be excited for the challenge.
Ashley Franz has a positive outlook on making friends, “I think it will be a new way to branch out and find new things about myself and the people around me.”

While making new friends is fun, some people from high school are especially important to keep. Harris speaks from his own experience.
“You lose a lot in common with people. College is a different world and it’s very independent” Harris says.
Though maintaining relationships is harder after graduation, it is not impossible, and some friends will remain for life.
“I think it depends on if both sides are willing to work for the relationship. Most of my friends are in the younger grades so I think it’s going to be a lot more effort on my part,” said Franz.

Friends in college can be nice but a good dormmate can be a lifelong friend. On the topic of dorms, space for clothes and shoes is a concern of Senior McKenzie Musser.
“I have an addiction to shoes, so I’m sad I can’t bring them all with me” said Musser.
Living independently is also a big part of moving out.
“My biggest concern, I mean, it’s kind of the basic stuff like you know, moving away from home and trying to find your own way, without the constant help of parents and friends.” said Franz

As a word of comfort and advice to current seniors, Harris describes how in reality the transitions is not as bad as it seems.
“The process of getting into college is the hardest part,” said Harris.
“The hardest part is oh my god, what is my major? Oh my god how do I sign up for a FAFSA? Oh my god how do I do this, how to I do that?!”
The reality is that aspects of school are not terrible in college beyond getting accepted.

In the end, life will move on as always and the senior class will be replaced. The class of 2023 will be officially adults. Musser describes her emotions.
“[I have] Worries looking forward to it just because it’s like the unknown, but I think I’m going to be fine when I get there,” said Musser.
Harris again describes how there is not much to worry about, “It gets way easier when you start going to college and everything is already taken care of,” said Harris.