Reaching the end of Year 12
As we get to the end of the school year and exams are upon us, I wanted to make a small post for those who are worried, stressed or even just curious about your life beyond Year 12 and what awaits you on the other side. Now, I can only speak from what I know and that is that you don't need to have everything figured out at this time. It's chaotic and stressful as is, you don't need to be fussed over a 5-year plan or what you will do with the rest of your life. While I understand the importance of thinking of the future, it's also important to think in the present and allow yourself to be in the now.
For all Year 12 students or even other students finishing the school year, please remember that you aren't just a number, your ATAR doesn't define your worth and whatever you decide after you graduate is enough. I often see people disregard where they are in the moment and stress about university or work after Year 12 but I want everyone to take a moment and pat themselves on the back to where they are now, how far they've come, the milestones, assignments, exams and everything you have done along the way. 💞 Sometimes it's the little things we need to celebrate and the small achievements that make us excited for the other parts of life.
Feel free to use this post as a vent for the future, a vent for the past, anda place to question what you might do next year. I'd love to hear the different paths people think they might go or if you're unsure, what paths you think could be interesting, or even what TV show you plan to binge once exams end.
Congratulations to the class of 2024 and all those finishing yet another school year 💪✨
Comments
Thank you so much for this thoughtful post! It really resonates with me, and I know it will mean a lot to others feeling the same way. I remember how stressful I was when I was in Year 12, and it’s so easy to get caught up in the pressure of exams and the need to have everything planned out. I love the reminder to celebrate our achievements and focus on the present.
I’m excited to hear about everyone’s plans or even just what they’re looking forward to after exams! Let’s support each other through this hectic time. Here’s to the class of 2024 and all the amazing journeys ahead! 💛🌟
Congratulations Class of 2024 💛
As someone nearing the end of their university degree, my reflection on the past few years is that leaving high-school (whilst it is emotional, nostalgic, and a bit nerve-wrecking) really unlocks a world of possibility.
If you are someone who enjoys routine and schedule (as @frozenA has touched on), then you can absolutely continue following a 'timetable' (except instead of only having classes in your timetable, you can now timetable in more hobbies and time with family and friends etc). And if you are someone who prefers to not follow a routine or schedule, then you don't have to anymore!
And because you are also not at school 5 days a week now, you will have more time to spend at new places, meeting new people — your world really starts to expand after high-school!
As your VCE exams begin, please also rest assured that they are by no means whatsoever the be all and end all of your career aspirations. The people in my university degree have taken many different paths to get here — whether that's direct entry via ATAR, transferring between universities after their first year, or even pursuing a different career first and then returning to tertiary study later in life. Ultimately, the same career opportunities are available to all of us, regardless of how we got here — and there is absolutely no judgement whatsoever for what path you took!
Enjoy these next few weeks with your friends, and give yourselves a massive pat on the back for all of your hard work over the past few years 🤗.
so a year 12 this year graduation night was very emotional, its shown how much school has shielded me and its making me worried abt the near future (even just after exams)
@yeah_it_tahtperson Hi! Thanks for sharing. That totally makes sense—graduation can feel really overwhelming! It’s such a big transition, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about what’s next. School provides a structure and sense of security, and leaving that behind can be scary. I remember leaving my final exam and being unsure where to go from there, the possibilities seem endless. But it’s also an exciting time, and you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Just take things one step at a time, and know that it’s okay to feel unsure. You’ve come this far, and it's all about finding that balance that could work for you.
If the structure of school is something that made you feel prepared, try creating a timetable of your day to day, during the summer holidays after year 12, I missed not having each hours blocked out with what I had to do so I create a timetable and stuck it on my wall, it including a 'lunch time' and even a 'recess' where I'd just go for a walk to my local coles 😂
If it's the feeling of not having something to do, I totally get it. Sometimes the school work and the assignments kept us busy. You could try using this time to focus on a new skill or even try out a new hobby! Reach Out has a quiz HERE where you can find out what your 'chill style' is, it suggests some activities to do based on your interests and how you unwind. Felt like doing a fun BuzzFeed quiz.
Remember, you're not alone and the next steps are simply those, steps, you can choose when you take the next one and work on which stairs you want to take in time. For now, you can sit down and be so proud of yourself for how much you've already done and know you can reach out whenever ❣
Thanks @frozenA for this post!
As someone who was in the position of these Year 12 students exactly 1 year ago, I can fully relate to how the whole process feels. This is such an important time to celebrate the very well-earnt achievements so far and to continue this momentum through the exams and perform better than ever.
For many it's a stressful time, but it should also be an exciting time. Our Year 12 students are about to move on into progressing one giant step further to their dreams and aspirations, which will of course come true! ⭐️
