What, When, and Where: The Questions Every Senior Is Asked

Bella ‘24 and Lia ‘24 spent the last three weeks in the Senior Capstone Program interning for Field’s Communications Office. One of their assignments was to write a blog this week about something that is top of mind as they prepare to graduate on Sunday, June 2. Read more about the questions seniors are asked and how they reflect and answer these inquiries.  

We will graduate from high school on Sunday. We have been preparing for this moment and right of passage for the last four years. Everyone around us is also excited about our future, from our parents to friends and teachers. They want to know what college we will attend, what we want to do, and how we plan to get there. With the last four years of studying at Field, we are confident in our ability to navigate the future but also unsure about the direct path of what lies ahead. Our teachers and college counselors have assured us that this is normal and that we don’t have to have everything figured out or always know the answer to these questions. During our Senior Capstone Project working with Field’s Communications Office, we took a moment to reflect and think about how we answer these questions about where what we plan to do next.   

Where are you going to college and what will you study?

Bella: I am attending Syracuse University in the fall and majoring in marketing at the Whitman School of Business. When choosing what college to attend, I had to think about what the best fit was socially and also for my education. Syracuse sparked my interest when I attended their 2023 pre-college summer program and studied fashion design and industrial design. During this visit, I learned I needed a campus where I could feel a community of people always looking for the best in me. I also love the unique education that in some ways mirrors Field; resources for help, space to recognize my potential, and a highly connected community of people.

Lia: I am going to Colgate University in the fall. I’m unsure what I will major in, but I am interested in business and medicine. I plan to take a lot of classes and find where my passions are. When I first visited Colgate, my dad and I took a self-guided tour that left me uninterested and not wanting to see the school again. It was the worst way to see a school, as I was left wondering pretty much everything about Colgate. It wasn't until I got my acceptance and revisited Colgate that I realized I liked it a lot and wanted to go there. 

Are you excited about college and what do you look forward to the most? What are you worried about?

Bella: I am very excited about college! I look forward to expanding my education, attending sports games, being a part of a sorority, and being able to explore who I am. The only worry I have is being far away from home. Growing up being so reliant on my parents has been a blessing, but now it is my turn to take care of myself and be more independent. 

Lia: I have mixed feelings about college. On one hand, I am excited to meet new people and discover more about myself and what I want to study. I love pushing myself in the classroom and learning new things. On the other hand, I am nervous about living so far from home and the friends I have grown up with. It will be an adjustment, especially living away from my dogs and cats.

What will you miss most about your time at The Field School?

Bella: I am really going to miss the education I was able to receive throughout my four years at Field. From being able to lead a club, to the relationships I have built with the faculty and students, to finally the most unique education that has allowed me to flourish. Walking into The Field School, I was unsure of what I needed to do or seek out to have a successful education. As I prepare to leave, I appreciate the skills and knowledge I’ve gained at Field to get the most out of my college education. Knowing what I need to do to study, gaining the confidence to ask questions in class, advocating for help when needed, and learning who to talk to when I am stressed out have made all the difference. I discovered “how to learn” through unique classes and the encouraging community at Field.  

Lia: When I first pictured leaving Field around a year ago, it seemed unfathomable. I still had a whole other year to go, and I assumed it would go by slowly with all the college applications. I was dead wrong. This past year flew by, as I tried to soak up all the memories I could. While I’ll miss a lot from these past four years, I would have to say the community that has supported and led me to grow as a person and build my education will be missed most. Of course, I will also miss being able to co-run the car show, a self-advocated opportunity neither Sydney nor I saw happening in our first two years at Field. 

What is the most memorable part of your Field experience?

Bella: My entire senior year of high school had to have been my favorite and most memorable part of my Field experience. The senior trip, senior sunrise, teachers and peers, Capstone, and more all made this year special to me. By my senior year, I could fully recognize the potential I have. As I still have a lot to learn, Field prepared me well for my future.

Lia: All the special senior activities the school has done for us stand out the most. Having those opportunities and activities was special and more memorable. While this past year has been special, the past three years have also led to self-discovery and growth making me more confident in who I am and where I want to be.

What Advice Would You Give to a Younger Field Student?

Bella: You have the power to do what will make you happy.

Lia: Take advantage of all the opportunities. 

We entered Field in 2020 as curious, shy, and nervous 9th graders and on Sunday, June 2, we will leave Field as confident, fearless, and well-rounded graduates. Thank you, Field, for your outstanding education that has created the people we are today. We cherish the memories and wish the best for our Class of 2024 classmates as we move forward and embrace the possibilities ahead.