Ask Elle: Senior sorrow

A student about to graduate worries about losing touch with friends as they all go away to college

Elle Smith, Staff WriterMay 3, 20211 Comment

Elle is MCHS’s advice columnist. Email her at [email protected].

Dear Elle: I’m a Senior feeling quite sad and worried about my friends leaving for college. I haven’t been able to see them very much because of COVID; now that I’m back in school, I finally can again. Still, I’m staying here in McHenry for college, and they’re gonna be leaving in a month anyways. How do I deal with this impending loneliness?

Sincerely, A Senior

 

DEAR SENIOR: 

This year was a project for all of us, but this year’s grads had a very difficult senior year. Everyone had to buckle down, and many people dealt with some very uncomfortable and intense feelings — particularly, loneliness. 

I want to encourage you to be extra kind to yourself. We all knew this was coming — many of our friends going out of state or far away for college — but there isn’t really anything we can do to make that not hurt, because we care about them so much. What we can do is enjoy the time we have left with our people, and keep in touch with them when they leave, though it may be bittersweet for a while. 

Finally, I want to remind you that you are not alone. Many MCHS students will stay in McHenry and go to MCC. The campus will be scattered with people you may know, and regardless of where you go for college, there are always so many interesting people you can befriend.

I can’t promise that you will never be lonely. It happens to the best of us. But what I can promise is that you have a community of people who love and care about you, so never be afraid to reach out if you are feeling low.

Need advice on school, work, love, life, or anything else that’s weighing you down? Email Elle at [email protected], and she may respond to your letter in the online or print edition of The McHenry Messenger.