May 1, 2025, marks National College Decision Day for seniors all over the country, and Senior Signing day for Baruchians. Seniors, parents, teachers and staff alike gathered in the cafeteria for first and second period to celebrate all of the class of 2025’s hard work coming into fruition as they begin the next chapter of their lives.
As the smells of coffee, croissants, and donuts fill the air, another sentiment is floating around the cafeteria—the mixed feelings of excitement and sadness among teachers and students alike.
Though the general consensus among students was that the college application process was rough, as it is for mostly everyone, there is still a sense of sadness that it’s over.
“I was so stressed throughout the whole [college] process, but I’m kind of upset it’s coming to an end,” said senior Duru Aksoy. “It’s such a weird, interesting emotional roller coaster to go through.”
Despite this being a scary time, Aksoy finds solace in knowing that she’s not alone in this process as this sentiment is shared among students here and outside of Baruch. Fellow senior Lauren Lau feels similar to Aksoy in that she’s anxious for the new adjustments to come.
“I’m nervous… I mean, I don’t know how I’m going to be in the real world without my parents,” said Lau.
Senior Hannah Lu feels similar to Lau in regards to being in a new environment. “It’s nerve-wracking, but I’m excited too because I’ll be dorming and it’s a new setting,” she said.
Despite the nerves, there was an overwhelming feeling of excitement and sense of pride from everyone in the cafeteria. Another senior, Emma Duek, said that “I’m proud of all my peers for making it so far.”
College and guidance counselor Nicole Epstein—soon to be Eisner—mentioned how this class has a special importance to her as this is the last class to refer to her as “Ms. Epstein.”
She said, “I feel like I’m ending an era with them, with this being my last year being known as Ms. Epstein, so it kind of feels symbolic with this group.”
The highlight of the whole process for Epstein is seeing everything from beginning to end. “Having those family meetings to seeing them on stage, it’s very full circle,” Epstein said.
Despite the college process officially coming to an end, the journey for learning never stops. “I think I have a lot of learning left to do, but I mean, is anyone ever fully prepared?” said Duek.
