High school comes with a lot of questions people don’t always ask out loud. From senior schedules to friendships, social media, and even the best brunch spots, here are some thoughts on the things students often wonder about.
What do seniors do all day? I’ve heard that it’s mostly free blocks.
Senior year is strange because it’s in-between. You’re still in high school, but you’re also halfway out the door, so this question depends on the senior. For me, I’d say senior year is one of my easier years due to my amount of freebells; however, the stress of college and constant waiting on applications is taxing. Yet many of my friends would say the opposite, as their schedules are packed with hard AP classes and last-minute credits, to where they are distracted from college decisions. So when choosing classes for your senior year, you can alternate between all free blocks and intense classes preparing you for college. Keep in mind that every student is different and not every senior experience is the same as others.
Where is the best place to get brunch in Cincinnati?
I love this question as I am someone who heavily enjoys brunch with friends! If you like cozy, local, and slightly more low-key style, Sleepy Bee Cafe feels very Cincinnati. Wishing to aim towards an older, more peaceful feel? Luca’s Bistro is a favorite of mine as you can enjoy the views of Mount Adams. For a quick stop, I recommend The Bagelry; this is one of my personal favourites since it’s fast and easy while also having an array of bagel options. Lastly, if you’re feeling more fancy and expensive, I’d say the National Exemplar in Mariemont is a good fit, as it incorporates both younger and older patrons.
Tips for a good Instagram pic/feed?
A good Instagram isn’t about looking perfect. It’s about what grabs your attention. Lighting matters a lot. Natural light will save almost any picture. Over-editing has the ability to ruin any picture if you abuse the tool too much.
Always notice patterns. What kind of outfits are you wearing? What backgrounds do you naturally gravitate toward? Consistency doesn’t mean every photo has to match. It just means it feels like the same person is posting.
Another tip would be to arrange photos in a way that keeps them a little different. If you have two posts in a row where the cover is a single shot, then maybe alternate your third post with a group photo with friends or a scenic picture. This also doesn’t need to be a full post; it can be an archive as well. Overall, a good feed is what you make out of it.
My friend and I used to be close, but now we’ve kind of drifted apart. She makes mean jabs and jokes about me, but she also asks me to be her partner sometimes. How do I know if she still likes me?
Friendships don’t usually end all at once; they can shift slowly. You start noticing small comments. Jokes that feel slightly too sharp.
There are a lot of reasons someone might act like this. Maybe she feels insecure. Maybe she misses how close you used to be, but doesn’t know how to communicate. Maybe she likes the attention she gets from teasing you. Or maybe she doesn’t even realize she’s hurting you.
But the important question isn’t “Does she still like me?” It’s “Do I feel good around her?”
People don’t choose partners in class randomly, especially not if they dislike someone. I believe she may still like you, but I also believe anyone who treats their friends less than is not your real friend.
Liking someone and treating them well are not always the same thing. If the jokes make you feel small, that matters. If you leave interactions replaying what she said, that matters. Drifting happens, especially in high school when everyone is changing quickly and growing into different people. Not every friendship is meant to stay the same all the time. You don’t need to do a dramatic confrontation. But you can pay attention. Notice how she responds if you gently call something out. Notice whether she supports you when it counts. Notice whether she reaches out when she doesn’t need something. And if you’re not happy with her responses and treatment of you, then take some space from the situation at hand and focus on your other friends and yourself, for that matter.
Her actions over time will tell you more than one conversation ever could. By doing that, you’ll know both if she still likes you, as well as knowing if you feel good around her.
