One of the most rewarding aspects about working at Batavia High School is the opportunity to learn what the graduating seniors plan to do with the next chapter of their lives.
In the days leading up to the seniors final day at the high school, staffers tape a large map of the United States to the wall outside the gym. The simple map is decorated with the logos of every university and college the seniors plan to attend in the upcoming fall semester. Something like 98 percent of Batavia’s graduating seniors go on to attend college, according to public records, so a surprisingly large number of school logos appear on the map.
I was fascinated with the map and impressed by the wide array of schools that appeared on it. The list of schools included large state schools and small, private colleges. The schools are located near and the far. Some are in the east, many are in the south, and a few are located in the west.
A large block of Batavia’s graduating seniors will attend in-state schools, and a slightly smaller contingent will attend schools in neighboring states. A few students will travel overseas to pursue their formal educations.
I found the map exciting and inspirational. Sheets of paper taped near the map listed the names of students and the schools they will attend in August. I felt a sense of pride in seeing so many Batavia students associated with some of the most prestigious schools in the country.
I noted a sense of admiration for the students and the new adventures they will begin in a short time. I graduated high school in 1979, a proud Cardinal from Arlington High School in Arlington Heights. I attended community college before transferring to NIU, where I subsequently earned a BA.
I enjoyed my college career. I established friendships with young men and women who, like me, are now much older than they were then. Time has thinned are ranks a bit, but most are here and remain good and decent individuals.
As I studied the map on the school wall I reflected on those friendships and the days so many years ago, when I arrived on campus as a raggedly and uneasy freshman. The path ahead seemed so bright and full of promise.
I envied the recent graduates for their youth and the experiences they have yet to create. I admired their accomplishments and all that awaits them in the days ahead.
And suddenly I felt at peace with the natural passing of time. I enjoyed the wave of nostalgia that washed over me as I examined the map and thought about my college days. A lot of fine memories jumped back to life, and it was a pleasant moment. But it was also nice to put those memories aside and focus on the days still ahead of me.
I thought you would like to know that.
