Student Voice: 'Tis The Season for College Applications

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By Alayna Kadarusman

Twinkling lights adorn palm trees, festive music fills the air, and families gather for beachside picnics- it's the holiday season in Hawaiʻi! For seniors, however, it's a season of duality: a celebration mingled with the weight of college applications. As the class of 2025 graduation is right around the corner, December ushers in the pinnacle of college application season- a pivotal time for growth, reflection, and preparation, where every essay composed, transcript requested, and extracurricular detail adds to the story of our unique journeys. Finding a balance between our future and present is the cornerstone of this holiday. Submitting a powerful application is critical, but giving our physical and mental health the same amount of care and attention is equally important.

The college application process feels like preparing for a big holiday feast-stress-inducing and requiring tremendous effort, but ultimately, organization is key. Personally, every morning, I take 10 minutes to sit down and write out my daily plans. During this time, I create short goals to accomplish during the day, in order of prioritization, allowing me to track my progress. Organization reduces stress and allows smoother work days that break the chaos, turning it into manageable steps. This season is not just about where we are headed but commemorating how far we have come.

Completing your college applications takes time, so take it. In my experience, the secret ingredient is answering authentically while double-checking to create satisfactory results. Having others read your essays will widen your perspective; for me, it is not until countless people have read my essay that I call it a wrap. The time has come to bring together all you have learned, your built relationships, and the goals you have pursued passionately, all to craft your version of a perfect future. Balancing this seemingly overwhelming responsibility with academics, sports, and various extracurriculars makes it all the more important to rely on those around you. Reaching out to and relying on your support system of counselors, teachers, family, and friends transforms the process into a shared journey rather than a daunting, independent task.

Colleges value authenticity, so there is no reason to chase perfection. Many of the prompts inquired by colleges are ones I have never once thought to ask myself. The college application process allows me to delve into myself the same way I research potential colleges. Instead of answering in a way you think the colleges want, answer as yourself-colleges want the real you to attend their college, not an unrealistic version created to satisfy the questions. Take the time to rest, cherish your relationships, and always recognize that you come first. Doing what you love to alleviate stress, whether putting time aside for your hobbies, taking a day to focus on yourself, or even shopping for holiday gifts, enhances your productivity levels. Taking a break from certain things can also prove valuable. For some, this might be a break from social media, school work, or a college application-after all, taking a step back allows you to see more clearly.

Furthermore, to accomplish a successful season of college applications, attending to your physical health, which directly influences the ability to perform daily tasks, is vital. At this time of year, the days are shorter, with much more to achieve. Securing daily exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep improves physical strength, endurance, mental clarity, and resilience. Maintaining good physical health helps prevent illness, boosts mood by releasing endorphins, and increases our capacity to handle stress. By prioritizing our bodies, we equip ourselves to tackle challenges, pursue goals, and live life to its fullest potential. Before I begin a college application, I partake in an activity to keep my morals up, providing me with focus and motivation during the session. Some activities I indulge in include singing, taking a walk, playing pickleball, or spending quality time with my family and pets.

As we navigate the season of college applications, it is easy to become consumed by the urgency of deadlines and the pressure of shaping our futures. However, this process is not all about the end goal but the journey of growth and learning to care for ourselves along the way. Balancing the demands of this time, along with our mental and physical well-being reminds us that success is not just measured by the accomplishments on a piece of paper but by the resilience and wisdom we cultivate through the process. Embrace the challenges, cherish the small victories, and remember that taking care of yourself is the most valuable investment you can make for your future!

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Alayna Kadarusman is a senior at Pāhoa High and Intermediate School and serves as the 2024-25 Hawaiʻi State Student Council (HSSC) vice chairperson. She is dual-enrolled at Hawaiʻi Community College, where she will earn her Hawaiian Studies certificate in 2025. She also serves as the senior class president, National Honor Society president, and the Future Farmers of America vice president. She aspires to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders by fostering inclusive communities, amplifying student voices, and driving initiatives that create lasting, positive change.