Last year, 88% of Middle College High School (MCHS) seniors graduated with an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree, and this year, 90-92% of the class of 2025 is expected to graduate with theirs. For any struggling students, this may seem like a daunting and impossible dream. However, this isn’t the case.

Arlene Quiñonez, the school counselor for this year’s seniors and sophomores, commented on the issue, stating that although the school drives students to work hard, they aren’t expected to work at the same pace as their peers.

“MCHS students naturally feel a sense of expectation to perform well, given that they are on a college campus and must maintain their grades to continue taking college courses,” Quinonez said. “However, I always remind students: go at your own pace, not at your peers’ pace. Every student is on a unique path, and success looks different for everyone.”

Although MCHS provides students with a chance to explore, learn, and grow as individuals, students still need to work hard and strive to make the best of their time here. This is something that Damon Voight, the principal of MCHS, highlights.

“We want you to know the expectations. Expectations are big,” Voight said. “This program is meant to make you competitive for colleges. You’re not in competition with Middle College students. You’re in competition with all students in South County here, and there’s a lot of competition. It’s never been more competitive to get into college than now. We need you to know that going in, you got to give it your best, because by not giving your best, you’re limiting the amount of choices you have at the end of Middle College.”

Although these expectations are made clear to all MCHS students during yearly or biannual agenda talks given by Mr. Voight, most students are unaware of the classes’ growing success and available resources. Freshmen Guadalupe Robles, Johan Castro, and Jordan Carmona were unaware of the mark left by previous classes, although they did mention something they heard from this year’s seniors.
“I heard from some seniors that they’re getting multiple A.A. degrees, and I didn’t really know you could do that,” Robles said.

Castro also added on that he understood why the past classes have been doing so well.
“I could see why, though. Because, I feel like the past generations have been more like, how we say, locked in,” Castro said. “And look at the slang that we use compared to theirs. They were actually trying, and sometimes we slack off and they almost didn’t slack off. So I could see how they’re progressing more.”

Robles and Carmona also said that although they feel like their classes are manageable they do see some of their peers struggle, especially in their math classes.

“The classes are pretty easy. It’s not really that hard, but I do often see some people struggling. I wonder why they struggle. It’s pretty easy work. It just takes time,” Robles said.

Mr. Voight also shared his opinion on the problem stating that struggling at the beginning is normal and that upcoming classes might have been impacted by the COVID pandemic.

“Every freshman class struggles because it’s a big adjustment, and so it takes them time to kind of figure out. Especially as work expectations have lowered while students have been going through a lot. The kids coming up now went through COVID,” Voight said. “They basically missed junior high and elementary school, they missed a good chunk of that. The amount of work they had to do was a lot less. Now they’re at a school that does high school and college and the expectation for work is much higher.”

Although this might not be the case for all students, Castro shared that COVID might have had an impact on many students’ work drives.

“I think that many people have gotten a bit lazier. I think that just impacts how as a class we are moving with lessons, because it takes more time for us to learn,” Castro said.

This is where the available resources make a significant impact. Although the percentage of A.A. degrees has increased, support played a huge role in student success.

“These numbers are influenced by the resources and support systems available at the time. For example, comparing A.A. completion rates from 2020 to now wouldn’t be fair, as the COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented obstacles for students,” Quiñonez said. “Additionally, over the past four years, we were fortunate to have two counselors, whereas in previous years, there was only one. This year has also brought significant changes to the counseling staff, which impacts student support. These variations reflect the dynamic of our school environment and the critical role that resources, staffing, and school climate play in student success.”

Every year, MCHS and its staff strive to provide students with the help they need to reach their full potential.

“Now, each of your teachers has 10 hours of tutoring available to you a semester. We have the after-school program that has tutoring available. We have Santa Ana College that has tutoring available,” Voight said. “So if you’re struggling, there’s no need for a student to ever fail a class at Middle College, because there’s so much support for you. It’s just a matter of students using that support and advocating for themselves.”

Besides the help they receive from teachers, tutoring, and SAC, freshmen also have College and Career Readiness (CCR), a class that gives them time to work on homework. Something that is very beneficial to students in their first year.

“It actually really helps me a lot, because I get all my work done before I go home, so I can just do whatever at home,” Carmona said.

Overall, students at MCHS have access to numerous resources, including tutoring and emotional support to friends, teachers, and counselors. Although earning multiple A.A. degrees and certifications, holding leadership positions in clubs, and finding good community service might seem impossible for some students, it is possible if we put in the time and effort and use the help around us.

“For students who are struggling, my biggest advice is: Ask for help. Talk to your counselor, reach out to your teachers—just ask,” Quiñonez said. “We can’t always know when you’re struggling unless you tell us. Whether it’s guidance on a project, homework, or personal challenges, we are here to help. You are not alone, and support is available—you just have to reach out,” Quiñonez said.

It can feel overwhelming being surrounded by students who have accomplished so much, but it is important that you celebrate your own accomplishments and focus on working towards what you want to accomplish.

“Those kids that are making those dreams happen were the same as you…You can do that, but you’re going to have to work,” Voight said. “And yes, these kids are doing amazing things, they’ve done all these amazing things, but first, they were freshmen, and they struggled, and they got a C or two, and it was hard. But anything worth having is hard.”

With hard work, support, and self-compassion, you can achieve your goals and dreams. Attending MCHS is a valuable educational opportunity that everyone should make the most of. We have the ability to pursue different majors, meet new people, build our support group, and prepare for our futures.

“I’d like to add that our students are the best students I’ve ever seen around so it’s been my pleasure for the last eight years to watch our students come in and struggle and start doing well and then fantastic, and then leave with these amazing accomplishments that I could never have accomplished as a student myself,” Voight said. “I’m very proud of what our teachers have done. I’m very proud of what our students have done, and basically, I’m just lucky to be here and watch it all go down. And I think these freshmen, I think they’re going to turn it around and be just as successful, if not more, than the senior class now, but they better get to work, because it ain’t gonna happen without work.”