We're Halfway There

By Chris Bell

From the beginning of time, within our academic careers, we have all sought the highly acclaimed "best year of our life." That year is Senior year, and for the class of 2023, the end of that year is halfway there. Throughout this first semester, we have had many adventures and experiences chiseled in stone and placed into our memory banks. From the retreat at Telunas with the grainy white sands of the Indonesian Isles, including the stupendously long journey it took to get there, as well as the late nights spent at senior parties playing glow-in-the-dark tag and board games. These experiences will impact not only our perspective during university but our perspective for the rest of our lives. With seniors leaving in less than half a year, making sure we develop meaningful memories is more important than ever. 

To start off by understanding the perspective of the students, here is a quote from Bennet McIver: "The year seems to have flown by fast; it's been exciting to resume extracurriculars and sports." For most senior students, the year feels like a catch-up for all the sports, activities and memories they missed out on. Despite this, the students used their missed time to work harder than ever, with the varsity soccer boys coming home with the first-place trophy from ACSC.

However, senior year isn't all butterflies and rainbows; senior year carries a heavy toll. Seniors must find a way to balance their lives between the treacherous exams and their ever-changing social life without feeling overwhelmed. 

To better explain what these students are feeling, here's a quote by Trevor Nichols: "Hectically work hard to balance college apps, school, and extracurriculars, but I still take the time to enjoy and savour the last few months I have with my classmates."

With the realisation of these "last few months" and ever-growing pressure, students have sought ways to savour these last moments with their friends, whether continuing their Friday night tradition or hanging out together more frequently. 

Some have even sought to bring along new traditions such as BBA (Bozo Ball Association). BBA is a 1v1 between non-Varsity basketballers during lunchtime. Spectators gather around in the dozens and overlook a game where competition is overruled by the mood for just having a fun time. 

Half of the year to experience that fun has finished, and the realization has sunk into the senior's mind. Still, the abundance of great experiences and lifelong memories leaves students hoping for an even better second semester. We halfway there, and we're livin' on a prayer.