Here Are All the Ups and Downs of Being a Year 12 Student

We asked our members to “review” 2017. Here’s one thoughtful response.

2017: The year that raced by and yet seemed so slow. The year that made some of us and broke some of us. The year Australia said "Yes" to marriage equality. And the year I graduated high school.

On 1 February 2017, I started Year 12. On that first day, I jumped from being just another student to suddenly being a role model, a senior and, gasp, a person with responsibilities.

The massive gap between the workload and requirements of a grade 11 student and a grade 12 student was almost too much to handle. As I undertook five ATAR courses, there were definitely days I wished 2017 would end, quickly. But the days I got to enjoy with my friends and family were the days that motivated me to persevere and continue.

Many of us were looking forward to the school ball; the cost and planning of it was our main focus. What would we wear? How should we style our hair? Would we attend the after party? And most importantly, who would we bring as a date? After hundreds (and in some cases thousands) of dollars spent on this massive night, we celebrated; we celebrated our last year.

We were cruising through, smashing our many assignments and tests. And then, in term two, the ATAR students of Year 12 were generously thrown a batch of exams. To say these were difficult and mentally exhausting would be an understatement. But we believed, and we achieved, and finally got our first lot of predicted ATAR scores. There were tears and looks of pure determination; of competition, even.

On top of the assignments, exams, relationship make-ups and break-ups and the planning of various Year 12 events, most of the graduating class of 2017 turned 18. This changed the lives of many, as they now were legally allowed to drink and could enrol to vote. We were beginning to experience the pressures and privileges of becoming adults. Our lives were becoming more important as more avenues opened for us and independence levels were at an all new high.

Just when we thought the pressure could not build any more, semester two hit us with a new blow. Our assignments were harder, and worth more. We had less time to complete our courses. Before we knew it, our second lot of ATAR exams arrived, right in the middle of school holidays. Then two weeks later, the dreaded WACE exams.

Over five days, I completed five exams. Looking back, fifteen exams over the whole year contributed to 75 per cent of my total Year 12 mark. The WACE exams were rightfully dreaded, and they tested even the best of us. However, we studied hard and got through the storm.

Finally, 2017 gave us a moment of relaxation, a time to catch our breath. The only responsibility weighing on our shoulders was the maintenance of our composure at our graduation ceremony. Then the part we had all been waiting for: Leavers aka Schoolies, where we partied (responsibly) away all the troubles and horrors of our school lives.

Now we are—or, at least we think we are—young and free and stepping into the next stage of our lives, be it university, TAFE, marriage or working at Coles.

2017 was the year I became an adult and started to take on responsibilities. It was the year that started me on this alien journey of exploring what really lies in store for me. I am still waiting on my WACE results, but I am confident the rest of 2017 won't let me down.

Congratulations to Paris for winning this week's writing challenge: What's Your Review of 2017? Paris wins a $50 Westfield gift card for her submission. For your chance to win, check out our latest writing challenges in our Competitions section. Also, be sure to follow this guide on how to win the writing challenge

Photo: iStock.com/DGLimages