As we return after winter break, many students may already be looking ahead to the end of school. With months of classes behind us, and many more ahead, it can feel like students are always waiting for the next break. But for some students, the new semester is more than just the period of time between two breaks, but rather the end of an entire stage of life.

“I’m feeling a little nervous [about] this semester just because… I’ve gotten so far now, if I screwed up it would be sad.” Senior Griffin Byrne said. 

Griffin is a member of Hickman’s tennis team and orchestra. He would like to move out of Columbia after he graduates this spring and pursue a career in foreign relations. Despite his high goals, he won’t quickly forget his time here at Hickman. 

“It feels so real now… I think I’ll always appreciate the experience I’ve had here… I’ll forget… how it feels to be here, like how the halls feel… but I don’t think I’ll ever forget my memories and my experiences.” Griffin said. 

Griffin is not the only one who has enjoyed his time here, though. Freshmen Lucie Kent and Beyonca Seals have had their own fond experiences this year, and still have much to look forward to.

“I felt really comfortable coming to this school and hearing… opinions [from] other people that… came here. I just really like it a lot here. I think it’s really cool.” Lucie said.

Beyonca felt similar, enjoying the change from middle school.

“I think everybody was really friendly and really nice…There’s a lot more freedom than in middle school, so there’s a lot more trust.” Beyonca said. 

Beyonca and Lucie are both excited to see what the next semester holds, albeit nervous as well.

“I’ve heard people say that second semester is way harder and [more] difficult… but I’ve also heard it’s more fun… and you’re more used to the school.” Lucie said. 

According to Griffin, there is a lot to look forward to, even when school seems tedious and long.

“I will say it was definitely a [relief] to be done with the junior and sophomore [years]…and it doesn’t feel like you’re learning a whole lot without having to slog through…Last semester felt nice, and the fact that I felt like I was able to learn much, much more efficiently than I had been.” Griffin said. 

Senior year is not free of its challenges though, and this semester will be a difficult one for many students. 

“I want to go out on a positive note… finish this semester with grace… I can feel the senioritis about to hit… and I want to be able to finish strong still.” Griffin said. 

The end of the year is both a seemingly distant goal and a daunting new experience for all of Hickman’s students.

“I’m a bit nervous, but also excited because school’s ending soon.” Beyonca said. 

While dealing with so much change happening everywhere students can feel unprepared for the challenges ahead, but the Hickman community continues to feel optimistic.

“I think on the whole that I’m optimistic. Junior and sophomore year really are the trenches… Once you get out of them, life is much brighter… I feel like I’m ready for the next chapter. Griffin said.