In My Shoes:
The End of the Beginning
By Kate, age 17, New Hampshire
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
For millions of high school seniors, these last few months are hectic, exciting, and also a bit scary. It's the end of the beginning of our lives. Mommy can't hold your hand forever, and for some people, this is a dramatic change.
You mean, I have to clean my own room?
I have to plan my own time for homework and fun?
I can't do this!
College is so much work!
My life is over!
I haven't even picked out my prom dress, never mind what college I want to go to!
Hold on. Just stop. Breathe ... Relax ...
Better?
Now remember, you're not alone. Millions of other girls are going through exactly the same thing you are. There's so much to think about - prom, summer, vacations ... and then ... college. If you're like me, you already have the next five years planned out. If you're like me, you want to go to college in Italy, or somewhere tropical, and live the life you always dreamt you would live. But to get to that life you have to take things one step at a time. Starting with today.
This article is the first in my series about senior year and beyond. I am hoping that with this new column I can share my experiences and advice with you. In each issue, I will be talking about the latest and greatest. Prom, summer, preparing for college, and when I experience college firsthand, I hope to share my experiences with you to give you a little idea of what college life is really like. Sometimes all you need is to hear about someone else's experiences, and I hope I can ease any nervousness you might have about the end of your adolescent years.
Though it is only March, seniors are preparing for the one thing they've looked forward to for the last twelve years: prom and graduation. It's thrilling to know that you've survived twelve years of school. From learning your ABC's to the solution of 'x', you've worked hard to get to that one special night, and to shake your principal's hand with your diploma in the other.
March is also about the time you will be getting acceptance letters (unless you applied for early admission, in which case maybe you have already been accepted to a few colleges). For juniors, in a few months, you're going to be seniors. Do not wait until the last minute to turn in applications. Apply early to as many colleges as you can. And don't forget about scholarships! Schools practically dish out scholarships on a platter - all you have to do is ask!
For seniors, it's time to decide which college you want to go to. Compare each college you've been accepted to. Compare price, student to teacher ratio, college size, and student life. Which college is the closest to what you want? Which college has a better deal? Once you figure that out, send in that letter to hold your spot!
Hopefully I'll be able to start prom dress shopping, and if you haven't yet, you should too! I want to go all out for prom this year. Last year I went with my boyfriend (at the time). My dress was long, straight, and yellow. This year I want to feel like a princess. I want long, poofy, strapless, and hot pink! I can't wait to go out and look for that perfect dress. Then I'll have to figure out hair, shoes, and accessories. Oh man, so much to think about! But I have to get the dress first before anything else.
Finals are also coming up soon. Senior year is an easy year for me. All my classes are electives and I have A's in all my classes. If I keep those grades, I won't have to take any finals! I'm so excited to be a senior; we have so many advantages!
Well, the point of this was mainly to introduce the newest feature of Sweet Designs Magazine, and I hope all you girls enjoy it! In April, hopefully I'll have a prom dress! And I'll be able to update you all on the latest! I hope you'll read each article as the year progresses and learn a little about college life.
I look forward to the next issue and I hope you all do too! See you in April!
Kate