We often enter high school with a clear picture in our mind, an image we have seen projected in all kinds of media. This idea is instantly implemented, but seems to diminish among each class year after year, until senior year, when students feel a striking decrease in social pressures.

Perhaps it is because classes become more challenging and the focus on the social scene as a freshman transforms into a focus on academics and college as a senior.

Another possible explanation is increasing maturity.

“After my sophomore year, I felt less of a need to ‘fit in’. I think it was because I was learning a lot about myself and I no longer felt like I needed to embody anyone else,” said senior Tatianna Amatruda.

Even though the social scene at high school has been pre-established, the maturity and sense of self that comes with growing up is powerful enough to steer away from the social pressure that is inflicted on us by the media. In order to do so we must recognizing the danger in assuming others’ qualities and tear down the wall that separates students of different interests.