How to Deal With Graduation Goggles If You’re Finishing Year 12 This Week

Your next chapter is right around the corner. 

If you’re coming to the end of high school, the thought of graduation, final exams and going off into the world for work or further study can seem like a really huge step.  

High school is a big part of your life and many of us get a little bit teary-eyed when we reach this milestone. 

Want some help dealing with graduation goggles? Check out our tips to get you through this tough time, whether you’re graduating this week or even if you already said goodbye a little while ago. 

Take plenty of pics.

The number one thing you can do to preserve those precious high school memories is to take as many photos as you can. 

Pics of your friends, classmates, favourite teachers (with permission of course), your graduation and all the fun stuff you might get up to on your good ol’ muck-up day 😉  

You could even hold onto some sentimental items like your graduation ticket, ball ticket, or even the final school newsletter the week of your graduation.  

You’ll be thanking your younger self in a few years when you wanna look back on some great moments with your schoolmates and your favourite teachers. You can say goodbye to your school life without having to completely leave it behind. 

Keep in contact. 

Make sure you get the contact details of your friends, classmates or even favourite teachers and mentors. 

Keeping in contact will not only allow you to keep friendships going but sometimes classmates or old teachers can be great contacts for opportunities, jobs or even advice when you’re going about your further studies or long-term career. 

Your results don’t define you. 

Make sure you take these last few days to hand in any final assignments, get all the feedback you need and finish any last minute homework. 

Plus, if you’re about to head into exam rooms, you’ll wanna retain as much info as possible, so don’t throw out all your notes just yet. 

But at the end of the day, it’s not all about your grades and if you’re stressed about exam results or uni admissions – remember there are plenty of pathways available. 

Remember it’s not a complete end. 

One of the worst parts about graduating is the stress of going into the real world. 

While it can seem really daunting, you’ve got the support of friends, family and teachers to help guide you on your next steps into adulthood. 

As one door closes, another one opens and it’s a daunting but exciting new beginning. 

Although saying goodbye can be hard, things that are waiting for you on the other side could be even greater adventures. 

Remember, it’s totally normal to not know what you want to do or take some time off after school finishes. Starting this next step isn’t a race, you can go at your own pace and go down the path that feel right for you. 

Have fun! 

Last but not least, remember to have fun in these last few days. 

You only get to graduate from high school once, so make the most of it! 

Laugh with your friends, snap some pics, celebrate your achievements and get out into the world with your head held high. 

A previous version of this article was published 21 September 2021.