It's the beginning of the end

While many schools are already back in session, Yuba City High School is still enjoying its winter break. With holiday decorations put away and New Year's resolutions already made and broken, YCHS students have not much else to do but contemplate the fast-approaching new semester.

A new semester means a fresh start. On Monday, we'll all have A's. For some students, this means a good start in maintaining an A in a class. For others, it means an opportunity to improve from first semester's grades.

Second semester also signals the countdown to the end of the year, especially for seniors. This usually brings about wistful thoughts from students realizing that adulthood is approaching.

Senior Paige Taylor said, "I can't believe high school is almost over. When I stop and think about it, high school went by really fast. It's weird to think that we're only one semester away from graduation."

Other seniors, unfortunately, will suffer this semester with the common affliction known as senioritis. Senior John Holloway describes senioritis as "a lethargic feeling brought about by thoughts of graduation and the belief that high school is pretty much done."

When it comes to senioritis, there are two schools of thought. One senior, who wishes to remain anonymous, sees no harm in it. "At this point, I really don't care about school. I've already sent out my college applications, so there's nothing left to do but wait for acceptance letters. I've worked really hard, and I think I deserve a break."

Other students feel differently. Senior Jasdeep Kang said, "I've worked so hard for three and a half years, why would I give up now when I'm so close? Yeah, college applications are already sent out, but they can take away your acceptance if you start slacking off. Colleges aren't going to like it if I go from getting A's and B's to getting C's and D's. College applications are all about showing that you can work hard. Colleges don't want lazy students."

But second semester isn't just for the seniors. Some of the best school events take place during the latter half of the year. Students have basketball homecoming, Solidarity Week and prom to look forward to.

Jake Larsen, a senior and co-commissioner of clubs and organizations, said, "Second-semester activities are always better. First semester, it's hard to get excitement up too high, because there is that first few weeks of school where everyone is settling back in. But second semester, everyone is ready for some excitement right after break. It also helps that the end of the year always creates an excited buzz around the school."

This weekend, while students are scrambling to finish their over-break homework, they'll have a lot to think about. They'll wonder what surprises the new semester will bring. They'll wonder how things are going to be different and how things will stay the same. But most of all, they'll wonder what lies in store, not just this semester, but in the years to come.

Nick Scribner is a senior at Yuba City High School. His column appears about every sixth week in Education.