Last week was very different for our International Baccalaureate (IB)  seniors. It was their final week of high school. After years of the same routine, walking the same halls, seeing the same people every day, it’s strange to know it’s all finally over.

For most seniors, last week was a mix of emotions. There’s excitement about what’s coming next, whether that’s college, a job, or something else. But there’s also a weird feeling of everything being “lasts.” Last classes, last lunches, last time sitting with the same friends during the school day. Even small things start to feel more important when you realize you won’t experience them again in the same way.

However, not everything feels dramatic. A lot of it still feels normal. People are still going to class, turning in assignments, and talking like it’s any other week. Whereas the seniors experienced that for the last time. That’s part of what makes it feel so strange. Something big is ending, but it doesn’t always feel big in the moment.

IB Senior, Maryam Sheikh, reflects on her past four years. “It’s crazy how everything has been the same everyday for the past 14 years and now everything is changing. I am really going to miss all of my friends and the juniors I am leaving behind, but I am excited to begin a new chapter of my life.”

Last week also brought a lot of reflection. Seniors looked back at how much has changed since freshman year. People who were once strangers became close friends. Classes that felt scary at first eventually became familiar. Even just growing up over four years, figuring things out, making mistakes, and learning from them, all of it adds up.

There are also the little moments that stand out. Sitting in class and not really paying attention because you’re talking to friends. Walking through the halls a little slower than usual. Taking pictures, signing yearbooks, and trying to hold onto everything for just a little longer. Those are the things people will probably remember the most.

IB Senior, Christine Kim, says “While I am excited to move on and start college, I am really going to miss all of my friends. These past four years at this school have been incredible and I will never forget the amazing memories I made with all of these people.”

For now, though, the last week was just about being there, showing up, spending time with friends, and taking in the last few days. The past week was incredibly fun as the seniors were able to participate in their final spirit week, celebrate with their friends at senior breakfast, and be kids again at field day.

As the week came to an end, it started to feel more real. Classrooms slowly emptied, and people said their final goodbyes. The routine that once felt normal suddenly just stopped.

For many seniors, it wasn’t one big moment that made it emotional. It was the small things. The last walk to class, a last conversation in the hallway, a last time seeing people you saw every day. Those moments didn’t seem important at first, but they ended up meaning the most.

Leaving also made people appreciate aspects they didn’t think about before. The teachers, their friends, and even the everyday routines that once felt boring.

Now seniors are moving on to something new. Everything is changing, but the memories from high school will stay with them. Last week may have felt like a normal week at first, but it ended up being much more than that.

We at the Seminole Times want to wish our IB seniors good luck as they head into some grueling IB exams in the coming weeks ahead. We also would like to wish you the best in all your future endeavors.