The class of 2027 has transitioned from their sophomore year of high school to their junior year. They are more than halfway through their high school years, and adulthood is progressively creeping closer.
Junior year is arguably the most crucial year for students who want to attend a college or university. It is loaded with an immense amount of academic pressure and much more responsibility, as juniors can also get their license and apply for jobs.
Academically, there is a lot more pressure to maintain high grades. Most classes have turned into independent study, and the homework load has gotten heavier. Junior Mia Almaraz mentions, “After school, I only have time for homework. Even on the weekends, there is still more work to do.”
I remember in my freshman year, the upper-classmen would say that junior year was the worst and to be prepared for the suffering it brings. Fellow classmate Aniyah Lewis also shared a similar experience, claiming, “All I heard was how important junior year was, especially if you wanted to go to a university, so I kind of went into the year with a lot of stress.”
While junior year can be quite difficult academically, the social structures feel the same as the ones I had during sophomore year. Personally, I don’t see much difference between sophomore me and junior me. This year, I have attempted to hang out a lot more with friends, but it’s ironic since I have less time to spend with them than I did last year.
When I questioned my softball teammate, Skyler Kluse, on how her social life has changed, she responded, “Honestly, I feel like I’ve lost friends. I don’t talk to a lot of the same people as I did last year; it’s just because I don’t really socialize that much because of the amount of school work I have.”
I asked the same question to Lewis and Almaraz, and they had similar answers. I myself agree with their statements: life lately has just felt like school. We all want some much-needed sleep, and I personally find it harder to focus on school when I don’t have any free time.
On a more positive note, during my interview with Brylee Coukos, I asked her what got her through sophomore year when she was struggling. This could be a comfort playlist, an artist, a person, a helpful website, a plushie… just something that was meaningful. It could even be going to the Wellness Center or talking with one of Canyon’s counselors. Coukos’ face instantly lit up, and she replied, “Listening to Ken Carson and Playboi Carti.”
Our other teammates were present during the interview, and they really questioned her choices. But that’s the beauty of finding comfort in things; it’s based on personal emotions and personal thoughts.
My final interview was with Mia Marquez. I asked her how her mental health and academic experience has changed this school year compared to last year. Her answer was really well-thought-out as she explained, “It’s different from sophomore to junior year, but I think it varies [because] sometimes it is better than other times. This year it has definitely been better academically.”
The truth in her words is something that every high school student can relate to, regardless of age or school year. Soon enough, these juniors will be seniors, and then they will fly off to the real world.
Change is always hard, but sometimes it’s what is needed to continue living in the present.
