As grade 11 student Melanie N., slowly approaches her graduating year, she shares her concerns and thoughts on the future and what’s to come in regards to workload anxieties and college applications.
What follows is Melanie’s story, in her own words:
“I think something that’s overwhelming is trying to prepare for university. Or trying to find a university, because for me, I’m having trouble deciding what to do, so that is one of the major things [that overwhelms me].
I feel like I’m becoming an adult so fast, and… because I’m gonna go to the U.S. for school, I feel like it’s gonna be such a big change that I might not be ready for. Or I don’t feel ready for and hopefully by next year I’ll feel ready. I see lots of seniors who are super busy so I’m kinda concerned about it. Lots of independent assessments due in one week. I know someone who has a lot, who has one due Valentine’s Day at 8 AM. I am kinda concerned about that. But oh well, I guess assignments must be due.
I feel like the workload [in the DP] is gonna be even more and the stress of college will probably be even more. And also with college applications, because, right now, I’m still looking at colleges but not applying to colleges. Maybe some people might have early applications but not for me. And it’s the feeling of knowing you’re gonna leave school… the school you’ve been in for like… not this specific school, but you know, you’ve been in first grade until twelfth grade. And now you’re gonna go to college; it’s a big change.”