The day is finally here! May 1st is Declaration Day. Declaration Day is college decision day for high school seniors across the United States. It is the deadline for seniors to finally commit to a college or university. For many, it is one of the biggest decisions one will ever make in their life. After all, this is where they are going to be studying for the next four years so the decision process must have been a bit tough and frustrating.

However, some already had their mind set on a school even before May 1 and are ready to move in and open another door in their life. There are many ways to show one’s school pride on this day especially through social media since it is an important aspect in today’s society. One way to do so is through the website DeclarationDays.com where you sign up and upload a photo of yourself. The website applies a banner to your photo with the school colors and mascot at the bottom with the words: #DeclarationDay.

Senior Madelyn Mairena has committed to Florida State University and is excited to start. “To be honest, I’m so excited. This is a dream come true for my family and I,” says Mairena. “I just want to see what God has in store for me at FSU and what other blessings are on the way.”

Senior Madison Ford will also be joining Mairena at Florida State University. Ford says, “I’m very excited to be starting my new chapter as an FSU Seminole. I really feel like I made the right decision for my future and I know it will be an awesome experience.”

Attending the University of Central Florida, senior Crecia Lumas still cannot believe she is a Knight. “It feels surreal. It’s also very exciting and scary because you will be going through ups and downs and those who are going far away won’t have their families there to help guide them,” begins Lumas. “But at the same time, you’re meeting new people and experiencing new things. We just gave to keep our heads up and do our best to succeed.”

A little bit more closer to home, senior Michael Murray will be attending Florida Atlantic University. Murray feels a little less stressed now that the day has come. “I feel relieved that I finally made my own decision and took another step into becoming an adult,” says Michael Murray.

On the other hand, senior Sophie Sunderland will be moving far to attend the University of Florida in Gainesville this fall. Sunderland says, “I am very excited to begin this next journey of my life. I feel like UF is the best fit for me and I am excited for the opportunities and experiences I will have there.”

Even though students will be going to different schools, they all share the same joy and excitement on this day. Santaluces’ seniors are ready to start a new chapter in their lives.