The end of Trimester 2/Grading Period 3 closed with a sad note- the Seniors left campus on Friday, February 7th. Some of them might visit again, while others might disappear forever. They have been going to BASIS for at least 4-7 years, and that, in it of itself, is an incredible feat. They have powered through many classes, shedding many tears throughout the years over countless long nights and days. Last week was their last time on campus, and some of them are ecstatic to finally be free from school for a while, but some are sad they are leaving the school and the friends they’ve known for so long.
[Some responses may be edited for clarification/context]
One senior said:
“I felt very nostalgic, I’ve been at BASIS since 5th grade and I’ve created so many memories and such close bonds with most of the other seniors. I’ve just been reminiscing all my time at Basis, while also accepting the fact that it’s all going to end soon. I remember feeling as though ending high school was so many years away, but here I am now, almost officially graduating and going to college, everything feels so surreal.”
Another senior said:
“I felt great to be leaving, but I was pissed on the last day because my classmates are annoying and don’t know how to not act like testosterone-charged 12-year-olds.” (The other Seniors were trying to make a “troll face” while saying “When you realize that you don’t have school this Mahnday”)
Many teachers were emotional and saddened at their departure, as they have known them for a very long time. They were proud to see their students grow and develop into an adult and pursue a higher education. Some of them were also relieved to have extra time in their schedule, as they will no longer teach their capstone classes, but they enjoyed teaching the classes to the seniors.
Seniors will still be able to come in and out of campus to visit, and they will graduate at the end of May. Some Seniors will do SRP’s, Senior Research Projects, where they will research a subject of desire and request a teacher to support it. Projects can range from neuroscience to Shakespearean studies. This will give them an opportunity to try at something they are interested in instead of doing nothing at home, which can be extremely boring. Some seniors will pursue an internship. One is doing an internship at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), which is a grant program that is designed to support free tax preparation services for the underserved. Others will apply for jobs or volunteer at places.
A couple of seniors left some advice to those who have not graduated:
“Spend more time doing the things you love and take up lots of hobbies. While it is important to focus on academics, it should not be the only thing and you should volunteer as well as be an active participant in the community.”
“Try for all As in your classes. If you get the chance to take the PSAT, take it. People say that the PSAT is not seen by colleges. Well, sike! You have to do wonderfully on it to qualify for the National Merit Scholarships (simply being a finalist dramatically smoothens out the college application game- it’s a BIG DEAL). Study for them!”
Some seniors are excited about graduation, and some others are neutral about it.
One senior said:
“I’ll definitely miss all my friends […] College is going to be similar to that of a new leaf for me, new friends, new environment, and possibly, a new me, so I’m not sure if I’m ready to leave the school that holds so many of my childhood memories.”
You may still see them occasionally when some of them come to visit teachers, for clubs, or TA for teachers. Good luck with your future endeavors, Seniors, and goodbye!
