With the end of the school year coming to a close, people are getting a chance to reflect on the year and what it meant to them. Many people faced new struggles, challenges and changes, but we all managed to get through to the end. With the end of the school year fast approaching, it may be appropriate to stop and realize how much we have all overcame together and what new challenges we have faced.

This school year has had many changes from the past year. With COVID-19 being present during the entirety of the year rather than just the last half of the school year it had a greater effect on many aspects of the school year. Many changes ranging from relationships to how grades are handled had to occur within the school year.

“I have found that I drifted away from some people, but I managed to keep a few close friends,” Elise Bodline (‘24) said.

Friendship throughout this school year has been very different from other friendships from the past school year. With some students being virtual, it doesn’t give the opportunity for friend groups to stay together and see each other every day. Friends during this school year have been more important than ever with the little social contact we get at school we have to cherish it.

“This school year to me meant meeting new people and adapting to change,” Elise Bodline (‘24) said.

Adapting to change for some people can be difficult, but it’s important to remember the necessity of change. Changes had to occur for a variety of reasons, but the most prevalent one was safety. Masks and cleaning in between classes were big changes that had to happen for students to have a safe learning environment but we all handled these changes well.

“Scheduling and organization helped a lot with keeping me up to date,” Logan Blaise (‘24) said.

With change comes confusion and disruption of the normal day-to-day routine. However, there are ways to counter getting confused and/or behind in schoolwork. Making schedules and planners is a very good strategy to help keep yourself on track and not lose your sense of direction when navigating your way through the school year.

This school year’s struggle may make next year’s Indians nervous, luckily though they aren’t going to be going in blind. Our students have some words of advice and helpful tips for those nervous or eating to know what to expect.

This past year has been more challenging than in past years. Opportunities to learn and meet new people have been interrupted by COVID-19. However, it’s important to keep your head high and try to keep going till the end of the year.

“When you don’t want to do the work take the day off and do it at the end of the day, ” Hailey Vohsen (’21) said.

Burnout can be a killer of grades leading to sloppy work that disappoints you and your teacher. When you feel like you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt-out it’s important to remember that your mental state is just as important if not even more important than your ability to do the task. Always remember that you can take a break at any time and try to get yourself back on track.

“I went through high school just involved in a couple of things that made me happy, but outside of school I wish I would’ve done more. I feel like I didn’t accomplish enough when I was still in school, “Alexis Steier (’21) said

Getting involved in extracurricular activities can be very rewarding and is also a great way of meeting new people. With all the extra things Holt offers to students, it can feel like you are missing out on things that you would want to do because you’re already involved in too many other things. Doing things you enjoy and prioritizing activities can be a great way of avoiding this feeling of missing out.

The students and faculty members in this school did an excellent job making sure this school year ran as smoothly as possible. With all these new challenges and changes that have come up during this school year, it is a true monument to our strength and willpower to lead a successful school year.