As the real world calls, opportunity knocks and June 2 approaches, seniors prepare for life outside the nests, careers on campus, class scheduling and unknown roommates. The class of 2009 may seem invincible, but this remarkable class still has some fears. This is the time when students ponder memories and stress over exams.

               

Seniors ask the key question, “Has Rufus King prepared me for this journey?”

“Rufus King has prepared me for college by giving me a sense of independence, tolerance and allowing me to adapt to new teaching methods,” senior Carol Pelican said.

               

Senior Patrick Wilson agrees and believes the school’s work ethic and excellent music department played a big role in his acceptance to Berklee College of Music.

               

On the opposite side of the spectrum, senior Kayla Moore believes school has not completely prepared her for an education at Tennessee State University.

                

“Teachers [in my opinion] are more concerned with the IB program and are biased against students who are not full IB candidates,” said Moore.

               

She is one of many, not particularly nervous, but simply curious, knowing what may lie ahead.

               

“My only worry is money, loans and financial aid,” said senior Saylo Lor, heading to Georgia in the fall.

                

Math instructor Darrell Seppanen believes seniors are the same with each graduating year; some are ready for the real world while others are not.

                

“[Seniors] will all become a number at their universities and colleges whether sweet kids or class clowns. It is a matter of finding yourself and applying yourself to the education,” said Seppanen.

               

 Applying oneself may be the hardest task especially when senioritis sets in and only a few weeks linger before graduation.

                

Senior Anthony Lockwood would focus more if given the opportunity to redo some of his high school career. He encourages underclassmen to take their education seriously.

“I know I could have worked and tried harder,” said Lockwood. 

Treating education essentially provides academic growth as well as personal growth and college is no exception.

“College is a time for transition that allows the social circle to grow; people change as time goes by,” said Milwaukee Journal Sentinel copy editor Vince Butler, who has worked extensively with The King’s Page staff.

According to College Freshmen’s official Web site, more students lose a sense of innocence their first year of college because they feel like outcasts and have difficulty adjusting. 

“College [away from home] creates many opportunities but only the fittest survive,” said Butler.

And surviving just fine is 2008 Rufus King aluma, Ines Brookens.

“My first three months at Loyola [University] were a breeze; King’s workload was equivalent,” Brookens said.

Brookens is just one of many students who branched out of her hometown to obtain an education.

“King and IB taught me that everyone sees a situation differently and I have to respect it. That was really important because I roomed with a girl that was alike and unlike me in many ways. I knew how to respect her ideas and because I did, she in turn respected mine,” Brookens said.

Tiffany Wright predicts graduation will be the most memorable moment at the school.

                

“I’m ready to be out of here!” said Wright.

               

The strenuous curriculum has pushed a majority of students to maximum ability but come June 2, the hard work will be worth all the paper cuts, sweat and tears. 

“In this global economy and changing world, we need to recognize that we are not in competition with others in the school or the state or the district. We are in competition with six billion other people and the only way to achieve what you want is to get up every day and work harder than everyone else,” said Jeremy Nichols, who works expansively with seniors in the social studies department.