You wake up to the sound of the Hunger Games. You rub your eyes only to realize: you are in school, and thoughts of senior year are sending chills down your spine. Juniors and sophomores shiver as they become the Tributes next in line. While graduating high school sounds satisfying, the journey is never a smooth path. To wipe the underclassmen’s worries away, seniors Miya Marler and Jaasiel Chevez revealed the secrets, the reality, and the in-betweens of navigating this final era. 

“Everything under control? That’s a huge misconception!” Chevez exclaimed. Undeniably, senior year is difficult, but it can be easier through effort. “As an IB diploma student, stop procrastinating and use summer break to build a compelling profile,” Chevez added. With IB testing and internal assessments piling on top of retaking the SAT until October and college applications, the best tactic is to act now. “I push myself to complete assignments in school, then I revise my university essays at home,” Marler said. Your biggest enemy is not other students but yourself; be strategic and plan. Your future self will be grateful. 

A slip from an A to a B thrives, but a C and D are the danger zone for Tributes. “Senioritis exists, but you’ve already been this far. Take advantage of the free resources like the College Corner. Don’t waste the first two years of high school by rolling the dice on the second,” Chevez highlighted. Finish what you started strongly. Furthermore, Marler emphasized, “Establish a study habit; use Cornell notes, blurting method, or set up a reward system.” Keeping the momentum saves you from risking your transcript. Plus, practicing discipline now builds the foundation of tomorrow. 

Sometimes, it’s the comparison of college results that shoots an arrow to the heart. Let it be the Ivy Leagues, D1, or other top colleges; Texans aim for their dream schools. To avoid admission rescission, staying on top of your game through the second semester is the goal. “Getting accepted into mine feels like a lifetime victory,” Baylor-bound Marler stated. However, this is not the reality for all. “Remind yourself that everyone has unique journeys to venture. Take rejections as a redirection,” Chevez explained. Accepted, rejected, or waitlisted, remain to do your best. Resilience is your tool through the thorns of academic and financial pressures. You will not be placed in a position that you can’t handle and conquer. 

But what is a fight without a sweet celebration? “One mistake incoming upperclassmen makes is not having fun! Live your life!” Chevez suggested. At this juncture, events such as homecoming, prom, senior activities, and outside parties are everywhere. Marler is on the same page, “A break from all the stress is needed, and this goes for the whole Lamar.” At the mention of functions, prom is one of the most anticipated; it’s a moment where everyone can dress as if they are from the Capitol. Flashing lights, shimmering jewelry, enormous gowns, and blasting music, the conflict arises with this culmination. Marler advised, “I know some find it hard to look for the dress but calm down and explore your options. Whether you buy online or in store, the beauty lies on whoever wears it.”  

Moreover, off-campus periods are blessing seniors. “I have the chance to go home early and go to school late. I have more time to hang out with my friends and research for scholarships,” Chevez expounded. When looking back at your high school years, you would want it to be filled with laughter, not just messy, tear-stained papers. 

As you step into the metal gates with your senior shirt on, like a Mockingjay soaring high in the sky, the show has just begun. Regardless of the uncertainty senior year brings, here is one thing to remember: you’re not entering this arena alone. Every friend by your side and every teacher who believes in you are your allies. The moment you cross that graduation stage; you’ll realize that maybe, the odds have always been in your favor.