Every year seniors dread the long awaited project to confirm their graduation called the 13th Year Plan.
The project can take up to months of preparation. Some find it difficult to complete, others find it easier. The question is, when should you start thinking about your future and how can you simplify it for yourself?
For context the assignment is to come up with a hypothesized plan of post graduation life. It’s what they want to pursue after their last year seeing the same people, friends, and teachers everyday and moving towards something that will hopefully bring success to the future, whether that be going to college, getting a job, going into the military, or any other type of achievements of their choosing. Their plans will then be presented orally and visually to a panel who are the deciders of your passing, typically with your fellow classmates present.
It takes a lot of time and effort along with multiple help resources to come up with a well executed 13th Year Plan.
We took the time to interview both seniors and juniors to hear their voiced opinions on the matter. And if they believe this project to truly be useful and something that should be a graduation requirement.
From senior Alexis Vera, we got his competent insight on his journey so far. When asked about his preparations he stated, “Me using my mentor is a big part of my senior project because they are just a person I could rely on as a guide”(Vera). It’s critical for seniors to have a close relationship with their mentors to create a comfortable space where questions can be answered clearly in order to succeed. We later asked if he thought the project should be a requirement and how he feels about it, “It helps you choose the right path that you want to take but, I don’t think it should be required.”(Vera). He finds it more as a resource to plan your future than an assignment.
Underclassmen that we interviewed, explained how the senior project was in the back of their mind. Many understood what the project required, but did not know the process of it. Junior at Tahoma, Allie Petty stated, “…I think it’s a good idea to plan for the future adequately and know what you want to do with your life.”(Petty). Petty is excited to be able to use this project to her advantage as she plans her future to go to PLU to study and become a nurse.
The overwhelming experience of it being a graduation requirement seems to turn students away from believing it should be as such. But, as heard by the students, many see it as an outlet to emit stressors and prepare young students for whatever may come post High School.
