As the end of year approaches, students often exclaim about moving on. They’re excited for summer vacation, with denim shorts and long nights. They’re excited for college life, out and about to get a taste of freedom. They’re excited for the future, their careers and finally understand whom they really are. At this point, school seems like nothing but a burden. But for some students, a haunting decision has to be made by the time they walk the stage. Some students have been in long-term relationships for most of their high school years, and some couples have created deep bonds that a lot of students don’t understand. But when college choices have to me made, couples have to make the decision if it’s worth it to make leaps and bounds to stay together. Then the question comes up: What is even worth it to begin with?
Senior Lori Berkley has been in a committed relationship for three years. She has already gotten a taste of separation though, having to deal with her older boyfriend recently moving to Arkansas for a period of time. Being away from her boyfriend has made Lori realized how important her relationship is to her.
“Being in a long term relationship made my high school years better than I expected,” Berkley said. “When he gets back were getting an apartment together, and one day he will be my husband.”
While some people don’t see the reason for a long term relationship or why to try a long distance thing after high school, Berkley is certain her and her boyfriend will last for a very long time.
“Things go wrong in high school, ” Berkley said. “Drama gets in the way and people go to different colleges and don’t want to try long distance. But all of those things have only made us stronger.”
Senior Linda Carroll doesn’t necessarily have the same views when it comes to her relationships. She hasn’t been in a relationship since the ninth grade, and no one had created a lasting impact on her that makes her want to invest in a long-term relationship.
“I think that it was better for me not to have a boyfriend,” Carroll said. “High school has been such an experience, I have learned a lot. I feel like it would have been so hard if I was trying to balance a relationship too.”
Linda hasn’t felt too lonely though; she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and she’s confident that she will meet someone soon.
“Right around this time, people are changing and moving away,” Carroll said. “I feel happy for the people that have already met the person they want to spend their life with, but I think it was too early for me. I have my whole life ahead of me.”