Local seniors, now just entering their second month of the school year, might be facing a coming of age crisis. Some may be overwhelmed with relief as they approach the light at the end of the tunnel and others may be in a state of bewilderment, wishing they could turn back time. This pivotal and frequently painful goodbye marks a grand beginning for most students who will start studying at a college or university next fall, but before enrollment each college hopeful must undergo an extensive and stressful application process.

College applications often require letters of recommendation, several essays and short answers, as well as occasional interviews. Teachers see trends of students bending over backwards to get into one college and in the process these students might not lend as much weight to their other college choices or, even more gravely, the rest of their academic senior year. Robert McHugh, a Saucon Valley American history teacher, advises students that, “you can get a great education at numerous universities, so don’t get locked on one if you don’t get in.” In addition, for high achieving students, this period of anxiety corresponds with a heavy load of AP course work, but McHugh again sensibly suggests that students try, “not to get too heavily bogged down in all the pressures and then forget to experience the fact that you are 17 or 18 years old.”

For the majority of high school seniors, this is their last year with a reliable safety net in a comforting environment. This crucial year is fringed with an abundance of memorable opportunities for them and Cheri Chisesi, a Saucon Valley mathematics teacher, urges these young adults to, “just enjoy every moment and do everything that you possibly can.”

Moreover, as big events like Homecomings and club functions start drifting by seniors should not neglect their roots and loyalty to wherever they are from.

My loyalty is to Saucon Valley, and like Annika Sundlof, our valedictorian, rightfully said, “There is growth of school spirit this year.” Our football team is on a winning streak and Saucon Valley pride has never been more contagious. As seniors begin to say goodbye they might be specifically thinking about what they are leaving behind or on an even deeper level what elements make Saucon so difficult to leave. For Srini Laliwala, it will be the senior traditions. For Brandon Brogle, it will be the infamously colorful tile walls in the lobby. As for me, it will be all of my close connections to my teachers and friends. Mario Marcozzi, a Saucon alum and current teacher of government and economics, speaks from experience when he says, “Saucon Valley is just a recipe for great feelings because of being so small and connected through strong curricular and extracurricular programs.”

This inner conversation of how our roots define us will be different for all students, but it is paramount that as we accept change and rely on newfound constants, we remember where we came from.