Seniors' Next Steps 2023
Congratulations to the OHS Class of 2023! It’s been a great couple of years, and the Pixel Journal team wishes them the best of luck in the future. Whether it be providing advice, or taking the “lead” during spirit weeks, the senior class will undoubtedly be missed!
With regards to their next steps after OHS, here’s what the seniors had to say:
What are your greatest takeaways from high school?
Anonymous: Academics/studying is not everything.
Jasmine (Cornell University): Schedule your time effectively, and don't burn yourself out; leave time to chill and have fun! Also, reach out to teachers, classmates, or OHS staff if you find yourself struggling; they are always supportive and accessible.
Amirah: One thing that I've learned, and really still am learning, is that it is okay to just be. It's okay to not know the answer to every question in class, it's okay to not understand the readings for your core class, it's okay to make a bad grade on an assignment, and it's okay if you feel uncertain about the future. I can guarantee that no one here has all of the answers. Just because someone is choosing to spend their time one way does not mean that the way you're spending yours is any less valuable. You're the only person that will ever be you, so make the most of it. Something else I've learned is that I don't really know much… but that's the fun part. Because now I can look forward to all of the things I have yet to learn in life. It's going to be a journey, but I can't deny that I am excited for it!
Ryan (Caltech): My greatest takeaways from high school are study habits and how to balance my schoolwork with free time. Throughout the years, I've learned to be proactive and take advantage of opportunities to complete my work so that I have time to unwind later. Moreover, I've become more efficient with studying and communicating with my teachers and peers.
Will you attend graduation/senior trips? What are you most looking forward to?
Anonymous: I can't attend, but I look forward to meeting some OHSers during the summer!
Amirah: Yes! I will be at graduation. I am looking forward to seeing my friends and hanging out with such a lovely community. Also… I am hyped for prom!
Ryan (Caltech): Yes! I'm most looking forward to either the Disney trip or prom.
How do you plan to spend your summer?
Anonymous: I plan to travel with my mom!
Jasmine (Cornell University): Chilling, visiting friends and family, and traveling! I might also find a summer job or internship.
Amirah: Possibly working, although I do want to soak in as much relaxation as I possibly can. Basically just trying to live in the present while also being mindful and excited about the future.
Ryan (Caltech): I plan to spend my summer working (for my internship) as well as going out on trips with my friends. I also hope to play a bit more basketball.
Which part of the college experience are you most looking forward to?
Anonymous: Being at a new place, getting to meet new people, and taking the classes I like.
Jasmine (Cornell University): The social aspect! Though OHS has a strong community and I've found great friends, I'm looking forward to interacting with professors and peers in an in-person environment.
Amirah: The social aspect! It will be interesting to finally attend an in-person institution. I am also excited about new classes that are specific to what I'd like to explore in my future career.
Ryan (Caltech): I'm most looking forward to being able to research and collaborate with my peers and the faculty in person.
What are some concerns/fears you have with starting college?
Anonymous: I definitely have fears about whether I will like the place that I will stay for the next four years, and whether the college of my choice really fits me or not. Also, since I'm attending college in a different country than where I grew up, I have concerns about cultural differences.
Jasmine (Cornell University): Starting college comes with general fears about my future. At OHS, I've been exposed to so many interesting academic fields and people, and I'm struggling to decide what I want to major in, what I want to do, and where I want to live and work. College is a big step in this direction, and so it comes with lots of anxieties, but I'm sure that everything will work out in the end.
Amirah: Also the social aspect. I'm not sure how all of that will play out since I've been at an online school for 6+ years, but all I can really do is my best!
Ryan (Caltech): The main concern I have with starting college is the independence that comes with it. Although it is freeing in a sense, I also worry that it might be hard to get used to dining/cooking on my own and also doing laundry/managing dorm life.
The responses in this article have been edited for clarity and brevity.