Hey Asterisks! 🎧 This special senior edition of Ad Aster brings together host Judy with guests Kate, Joyce, and Emma as they reflect on the chaos, beauty, and transformation of senior year and the transition to college. From academic burnout and childhood nostalgia to candid college advice and emotional resilience, this episode is an honest, heartwarming look at growing up.

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Timestamps:

00:00 — Intro: Meet host Judy and guests Kate & Joyce

01:30 — Reading and writing check-in

04:40 — Senior year reflections: overcommitment, burnout

06:30 — Balancing rest and productivity

09:20 — Kate on the “sophomore slump” and finding rhythm in college

13:40 — Summer plans: travel, reset, reclaiming freedom

17:00 — Judy’s nostalgic bucket list: childhood joys

19:00 — Should summer be productive or restful? Kate shares her take

22:10 — Course selection advice and approaching college pre

26:40 — Admissions talk: international vs. domestic experiences

29:50 — College fears, excitement, and emotional expectations

34:00 — Emma’s voice note: pressure, philosophy, reflection

40:00 — Stress, friendships, and meaningful takeaways from senior year

47:30 — Final advice: passion, perseverance, and exploration

50:13 — Closing: gratitude, wrap-up, and goodbye

Quotes:

“Looking back, I do feel like a totally different person… But I was also super scared before entering college. College is scary for everyone. But people try to do their best to help you acclimate and adjust — and I think it really works out.” — Kate

“Explore. Love your friends. Apply again, even if you’ve been rejected three times. Sometimes, the fourth time works.” — Emma

“People say the college application process will break your heart — and you don’t believe it until it does.”  — Joyce

"Senior year is going to feel like a waiting room where you don't feel like your life is progressing. You're just waiting. You're waiting for colleges to reply to you. You're waiting to know what's going to happen next. Where are you going next? That can get depressing quickly. So my advice to rising seniors is to make sure that you introduce new aspects into your life.” — Judy

Transcript