For most, the first few months of the school year have gone by in a blur. For seniors, it has gone by even faster. In a blink of an eye, we have less than three quarters left in the school year and of our secondary education. In a few short months, we will be at U.S. Bank Stadium with blue caps on our heads and high school diplomas in our hands. We will be stepping into our future and leaving our childhood behind us.

As the days go on and my time in high school grows shorter, I have started to realize this year will be full of lasts. The last high school football game, the last time I get banana bread from the Cove, and the last time I watch a “Beyond 140.” It makes me a little emotional even thinking about it, and I’m not the only one.

Elayna Sitzman, ‘19, said “not ever being a senior in high school [again] at a football game [or] not having the same spirit dress-up weeks […] really gets me.”

Sporting events feel like one of the biggest parts of high school, especially for seniors. Senior night and state games are particularly special for the athletes because it is a way to say goodbye to the time spent at Minnetonka.

Along with that, many seniors try to attend any big sporting event to support their classmates and friends. The student section is generally filled with seniors wearing their blue and white overalls. Seniors filled the stands at the final football game of the season against Eden Prairie at Chanhassen High School and the state finals for both boy’s and girl’s soccer at the U.S Bank Stadium. Some go for the experience and social aspect, rather than actually watching the game.

Alex Rodriguez, ‘19, said that “I was never into football much. Whenever I decided to go to games it was more for the connection I had with the people around me.”

Even if you go to the game to watch, there will always be a social aspect. You are surrounded by friends and classmates, all experiencing the game together.

“Humans are social beings, and most of us understand the value and importance of social connections. Relationships give us entertainment, guidance, assistance and, perhaps, most importantly, they support you so you don’t have to face the world alone,” says Stephanie Timmons, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and a writer for psychbb.com.

Everyone will remember the connections they made throughout these four years of their life. The relationships with friends, family, classmates and staff members- thinking of these connections fading away after leaving high school can be hard.

Despite the growing fear of change in seniors, many are starting to realize they need to live in the moment and appreciate the present rather than dreading the future.

“I want to welcome all the new opportunities that I have been given and take a hold of every chance that I get to learn,” said Sitzman.

While Rodriguez said “I’m just learning to enjoy one thing at a time with senior year.” It is happening right now and personally I don’t want to miss it or take up all my time fearing what is going to happen in a year. My friends and I made a “senior year bucket list” to ensure we make the most out of the next year.

Suzy Smith, ‘19, said “basically, I made [a spam account] because I found myself wanting to share fun experiences and memories I was making with my friends.”

There are so many different ways to make the most out of senior year. This year is full of lasts and there is no denying them, but instead of hiding from these changes, we need to live it up this year and make the most of them because they will be gone in the blink of an eye.