Calling all juniors!

As the end of the school year is rapidly approaching, the realization that we’ll all become seniors very, very soon is beginning to become very, very real. It’s a scary thought, but incredibly exciting at the same time.

Here’s a compilation of songs that describe how we’re all feeling right about now… Nervous, but ready to be done with the difficulties that 11th grade has brought us.

prom dress by mxmtoon

This song technically takes place at the end of senior year, but it’s a sentiment to school in general. It talks about having high expectations for the year and them not necessarily being met… But how it will all be okay and turn out fine in the end.

BO$$ by Fifth Harmony

If you wanted a song to pump you up for finals, this is it. It’s the ultimate, feel-good power booster song to get you in a good headspace for the summer.

Permanent Vacation by 5 Seconds of Summer

Okay, so summer may not be a permanent vacation, but it’s a vacation nonetheless. Another mood booster, this tune perfectly captures the essence of summer and all it means to us.

Seventeen by Alessia Cara

I get that some people turned 17 at the start of the year, but if you’re like me and literally just had a birthday, this may be the song for you. Being 17 is pretty scary – the last year before adulthood and college and an array of expectations! Alessia Cara reminds us to breathe, live in the moment, and not get too ahead of ourselves.

Soarin by Bazzi

Bazzi’s techno bop about following your dreams is a good way to reflect on the year’s close. He sings about this weird middle ground teenagers are at, between adulthood and childhood.

YOUTH by Troye Sivan

Troye gives an ode to young adulthood with this jam about growing up. It’s about having fun while you’re young, and appreciating every little moment before it becomes too late.

I Don’t Wanna Grow Up by Bebe Rexha

The song title says it all – growing up is hard. I completely understand the feeling of wanting to stay this age forever, but time can’t stop the aging process. At the very least, this tune sympathizes with the urge to stay young.

Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! at the Disco

Hey look ma, I made it through junior year! Getting through this strenuous year is a huge accomplishment within itself… take a second to pause and reflect on all the positive things that have happened this year!

Adventure of a Lifetime by Coldplay

What comes next is a mystery, but it will most certainly be an unexpected adventure. Being open to new possibilities and staying optimistic will help the transitioning process become a little less bumpy. An open mind and an open heart is all you need. Well, sort of.

Don’t Throw Out My Legos by AJR

Our final song comes from AJR’s new album, Neotheater. (I reviewed their album a while back – check it out here.) It’s the perfect testimony to the fears of becoming older and leaving your childhood behind. In terms of moving on, they described the process to a tee: “I wanna move out, I don’t wanna move on.”