As graduation day approaches, high school seniors stand at the crossroads of nostalgia and new beginnings. With a mix of emotions, they share their thoughts on leaving familiar classrooms and friendships behind, while eagerly anticipating the adventures that await them beyond the school gates.
As the academic year draws to a close, high school seniors are preparing to step into a new chapter of their lives. This transition is filled with a mix of emotions, from excitement about new opportunities to nostalgia for the familiar halls they are leaving behind. Interviews with seniors reveal personal reflections on their high school journey and the anticipation of what lies ahead. Their insights offer a glimpse into the challenges and aspirations that accompany this significant life change.
Senior Michelle Zamora shares her high school journey, thoughts about leaving high school, connections she made and future aspirations. When interviewed, Zamora shared her thoughts on the prospect of leaving high school, expressing a mix of excitement and apprehension about the changes ahead.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling, obviously to me like these four years went by super fast, so it’s kind of sad like knowing I won’t be seeing these faces that I was used to seeing everyday. But it’s also exciting because it’s a new chapter in my life and I might be going out of state,” Zamora said.
Heartfelt connections that were built during the four years was a topic that was brought up.
“With students, I have my close group of friends but even then I feel like I was able to start friendships with other people,” Zamora said.
“This might be like a big dream to put out there but I hope to work with movies or star in them. I like that idea, or even working behind the camera. I have some experience with that,” Zamora said, discussing her future aspirations.
“If I decide to do criminal justice, I was kind of looking into the FBI, but it seems a little too much for me, I can always do that [Criminal justice] as like a minor instead of my major,” Zamora said.
Zamora was asked if she had advice for upcoming seniors and underclassmen and she had this to say.
“You’re always going to be hearing to stay on top of your work, to get good grades, to pass your classes which is advice you should follow because it definitely will help you in the long run. But from a student’s perspective, honestly just have fun, when they say these four years will go fast they mean it,” Zamora said. “Like I kid you not I felt like I was a freshman yesterday and go to those events, even if they seem dumb, like go to the games even if that means you have to wake up early.”
Zamora’s reflections highlight the complex emotions that many seniors feel as they stand on the brink of adulthood. Her journey through high school, marked by cherished friendships and dreams of a future in film or criminal justice, reflects the diverse aspirations that characterize this graduating class. Her advice to underclassmen is to make the most of these formative years.
Jocelyn Avalos is also part of Zamora’s graduating class who has her own stories, future aspirations, advice and feelings about leaving high school.
When asked about her feelings on leaving high school, Avalos expressed her thoughts.
“I feel nervous and excited because I’m happy to meet new people in college because Middle College is so small. I’m also like, sad and then I’m not sad. I don’t want to be those people who cry after school ends but I feel like I will be, This is my last year and I have a lot of memories here,” Avalos said.
Avalos mentioned that she formed meaningful relationships with both students and teachers.
“I met all my friends here and I love them, they’re so funny and with teachers I would say Mr. V I literally go to his room during lunch with my friends,” Avalos said.
Avalos discussed her plans for after high school explaining what she intends to do.
“Hopefully I get into a four year college and then I want to study education, because I want to be a teacher for elementary school,” Avalos said. “[Her aspirations for the future is] to become a teacher and to be rich hopefully.”
When asked for advice for upcoming seniors and underclassmen, Avalos offered her thoughts.
“My advice for seniors is to lock in because I feel like senior year is the most important year, and then for the underclassmen is to enjoy your time because I feel like it goes by really quick,” Avalos said.
As Avalos reflects on her time in high school, her thoughts capture the mix of emotions that accompany this major life transition.
Michelle Zamora and Jocelyn Avalos, like many seniors, experience a mix of emotions as they leave high school. They reflect on fond memories, meaningful relationships, and exciting future plans. While Zamora dreams of a career in film or criminal justice, Avalos aims to become a teacher. Their advice to younger students is to cherish their time and focus on their goals, encapsulates the transition from high school to new adventures ahead.
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