Here it comes... Seniors, brace yourselves.

On October 1st (next Wednesday) the California State University officially opens its application filing period for Fall Semester 2009.
That means any Senior at RHS this year who plans on attending a CSU after they graduate will need to apply. They will need to decide on the campuses they want to apply to, fill out a rather lengthy application (which cannot be changed AT ALL once the 'submit' button has been hit), and pay all the application fees (different for each separate campus).
The decisions need to be made. The time for keeping with the high school mentality is running out, as if through a sifter: choices that will affect the rest of our lives are going to be made.
That's right: it's here. Another month, November 1st, and the University of California filing period opens as well.
All this painfully slow K-12 education is wrapping up, folks. We can feel the end, see the light of freedom and adulthood approaching in the ever-shortening distance.
Only a little while, and we'll be walking off that stage with those flimsy-looking blue robes draped over us, diplomas clutched in our sweaty hands--walking away from RHS to embark on the rest of our lives.
The only time most of these people will ever return is for the reunions.
Will the world become bigger? When the trivial barriers and social statuses of high school begin to melt away - will we all become more accommodating and aware?
When all of a sudden, real life is sprung upon us; will the majority of the materialistic, gossipy young adults here get their heads out of their butts?
I sure hope so.
We're headed out of this make-believe microcosm of a world, into the real one. Some of us, I know, are more than ready. Some may feel like they're ready, but really have no idea of the responsibility it will entail. Others wish to remain here, in the world of children: where we all get second, third and even fourth chances at everything; adults are here to monitor and guide our every move; and we have (mostly) unlimited financal support. What these Peter Pans don't realize, however, is that their financial support will taper off as they move into their independent days; they will be given the freedom to make their own decisions, but will ultimately have to deal with the consequences.
We are growing up, whether we like it or not.
This first college application filing period, I think, signifies the first event of our new lives. Our lives will slowly change, though... this last year in high school allowing the transition time that will grow us into the adults of this state, of this country and world.
Mental preparation, it might be called.
So whether the transition will be forced or natural, it must happen. Hang on for the ride, Seniors. Get ready to live.