As juniors and seniors step into their final years of high school, they are met with an influx of deadlines, exams, and stress about college and future careers. Taking advantage of a senior open or TA (teacher assistant) period can help alleviate that stress and provide a range of benefits, from reduced academic pressures by providing more time for students to unwind to a more balanced lifestyle.
High schoolers are no strangers to the relentless pressure of their academic lives. The weight of these responsibilities can leave many students feeling overwhelmed and perpetually sleep-deprived, which can negatively impact their performance and mental health. An extra hour in the morning through a senior open can offer a breather to refocus and even have a proper meal before heading to school.
According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines, teenagers need to have at least 8-10 hours of sleep to stay focused and well-rested. However, with extracurricular activities, homework, and exams, teens are less likely to get the recommended amount. According to a CDC study, about 72.7% of high school students don’t get enough sleep on school nights. Taking a senior open in the morning allows them to wake up refreshed instead of rushed.
For students with additional commitments such as part-time jobs and athletics, a senior open during sixth period can be a lifeline. For instance, students with part-time jobs or internships can leave early to make extra money to contribute to a college fund or personal expenses. Student-athletes can leave for athletic events without requiring the permission of their sixth-period teachers or potentially miss any class time or tests. Beyond the advantages of open periods, another option for students is to take a TA period. The responsibilities of a TA vary by the teacher; some teachers assign work for TAs to grade, whereas others let the student sit back and relax. Either way, the student gets an opportunity to build a connection with the teacher and interact with a trusted adult and potential mentor.
For students applying to college, the teacher might give a more personalized letter of recommendation if they took the class previously since they have gotten to know the student on a deeper level. In more relaxed TA periods, students can use their free time to work on other assignments or take a break.
Although taking senior opens and TA periods might be viewed negatively on college applications or potentially reduce enrollment for elective credit classes, it is important to consider these options offer unique opportunities that can outweigh the disadvantages. The idea that a free or TA period might negatively affect college applications isn’t always true since various colleges consider various factors in the admissions process, according to a Forbes article titled “What Colleges Really Mean By ‘Holistic Review.’” To rectify this, students should make use of the concurrent enrollment option, and take a class at a community college.
On the other hand, it is the responsibility of a student to determine how valuable taking a senior open is. Taking an open period or TA period is beneficial, as it gives students a lighter load, a balanced lifestyle, and opportunities to make more money. It’s important to recognize that these options can significantly enhance the senior or junior year experience.