Page 52 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2024 - Online Magazine

Focus
FAMILY

Two Generations

One Similar Feeling

by Sydney Crane, LMFT

igh school seniors and and advice they
senior citizens may not would give to older
Hcross paths often, but it adults and high
was recently found that the two school seniors about
groups have one very similar trait anxiety. Here is
regarding their respective life stage: what they each had
Anxiety about the future (Davich, to say:
2023). Senior citizens report feelings
of anxiety typically surrounding BRODY: “I have
limitations of independence, illness, experienced
cognitive decline, loss of friends anxiety this year,
and family, and mortality (Graham, specifically around
2023). being a senior,
mostly because of
High school seniors have expressed not knowing what
nerves about the uncertainty of what is coming next and
comes after graduation - where trying to finish specifically who has helped
they will go, where they will live, if everything before graduation.” He minimize his anxiety and motivated
they will work, go to college, trade also added, “Senioritis is very real.” him this year. “The person who has
school, or the military. Contrast to (Senioritis is a common feeling in inspired me this year is my Momo”
senior citizens feeling limited in their high school and college seniors (paternal grandmother). “She is
options, high school seniors may feel where the final year of schooling always talking about how proud
overwhelmed with an abundance of is met with a decline in motivation she is of me going to nursing school,
options post-high school. to finish or perform work with the succeeding in life, and telling me
highest effort). Brody continued, how I have the world in front of me.”
To explore more of this unique “My plans after graduation are to
experience of anxiety in high school attend South Plains College and Brody concluded with this: “Advice I
seniors, I recently spoke with apply to Covenant School of Nursing would give to older adults and high
siblings Brody Cantu and Kaleigh for my Registered Nursing degree.” school seniors is stick to what you
Varghese, seniors at Monterey When asked if he feels like post-high know and what you are comfortable
High School, who both graduate school opportunities are endless, with. Take it one day at a time, each
this spring. I asked each of them Brody reported, “I do feel like I have thing as it comes, and the future will
about their experiences with anxiety unlimited opportunities. I feel like I come soon enough. Do not be afraid
surrounding the senior year, if they can do anything I want if I just put to get out of your comfort zone, too.
knew what their plans were after my mind to it.” Failures mean more opportunities
graduation, opportunities available, to come back and win, so don’t be
seniors who have influenced them, Brody said there was one person afraid to fail. Don’t be scared to

*If you are struggling with anxiety, reach out for support or resources near you.*

52 Lubbock Senior Link