The class of 2018 is full of young, vibrant students who have worked hard to get to where they are now. Out of a class of 83 students, our valedictorian Leo Morales and salutatorian Miguel Marquez have proved their desire to succeed in school and be at the top of the rankings within the four years they attended Middle College High School. As we approach graduation day, both the valedictorian and salutatorian prepare to speak on behalf of our 2018 class.

In an interview, these reporters asked  the valedictorian and salutatorian what their secrets were to being the top dogs.
What made you decide to come to Middle College High School?
Leo: “I knew I wanted to attend Middle College High School when I heard about the dual enrollment, and I thought it was really helpful for my future because I would graduate with an GED and a AA degree. I want to help my family financially in the near future.”
Miguel: “ I wanted to go to a fundamental, however, I didn’t get into any, so MCHS was what I went into.”

Do you believe you would’ve been as successful in another school?
Leo: “Yes I do, but the only difference would be that I probably would not be as involved.”
Miguel: “No, at a bigger school, there’s a lot of students and I wouldn’t have been ASB president and would have probably been lost in the crowd. Here you get more opportunities. “

What was your hardest challenge in all your four years?
Leo: “Having to balance high school and college work, and having to be a first generation student was my hardest challenge. Especially senior year, because it was hard for me to go through applications, scholarships, FAFSA. But, I was able to find a support system within my friends and the Boys and Girls club.”
Miguel: “The hardest challenge was junior year due to SAT, ACT, and maintaining a job all at once.”

Would you change anything about your experience at the MCHS?
Leo: “The only thing I would change would be not be so hard on myself and realize that failing is okay.”
Miguel: “Recently courses that could’ve been transferred to Berkeley if I took them at SAC. This would’ve shortened classes needed to take at Berkeley. However, I don’t regret it, as I got to explore other classes.”

What are yours plans now?
Leo: “I will be attending California State University Los Angeles, major in graphic design, and be the first from my family to graduate with a college degree. Ultimately, becoming a graphic designer where I can incorporate fashion and social issues.”
Miguel: “Go to Berkeley in fall, double major in media and legal studies. Then, minor in public policy, staying at Berkeley for three years, then going to law school.”

How would you encourage our rising seniors to get to where you got?

Leo: “All I want the seniors to consider is to be serious about school and to take advantage of the opportunities here at MCHS, but it is equally as important to know that failure can be okay. And to not fall into pressure.”
Miguel: “Stay focused and put time and effort in applications and scholarships, and you should know what you’re capable of. Don’t worry about rejection; you can’t control it, but you can control your effort. You’ve been doing it for three years do it for one more.”

What personal hardships did you go through and did they hinder you from doing better or improve you to work harder?
Leo: “I did go through personal issues, but these issues motivated me to work harder. For example, a family member of mine got deported and made me realize that I have an opportunity at hand for higher education and that I should not waste this opportunity. Another hardship for me was being open about my sexuality,and once I was open, I gained confidence and felt more liberated about who I am. After being open, I felt that I no longer should hide who I was.”
Miguel: “In 6th grade my mother passed away and I went into depression. However, going into MCHS I realized my mother wouldn’t want me to do bad, and so I saw the light and became motivated to do my best.”

What do you expect out of your future education?
Leo: “From my education, I hope to continue to grow as an individual and work towards pursuing my passion beyond university.”
Miguel: “Berkeley will be rigorous, but I will try my best and still do extracurriculars to build a resume in order to be competitive in applying for law school.”

These two individuals have so much in common when it comes to their academic life. Their advice to all the rising seniors is simple and direct; embrace yourself and don’t hold yourself back. With just enough motivation and encouragement you will be capable of overcoming any hardship. As Karim Seddiki said, “Doubt kill more dreams than failure ever will.” Meaning that trying your hardest is far better than never trying at all. So, with just two weeks until graduation, we are anticipating the speeches from Leo and Miguel to be motivational and inspiring to the class of 2018 to encourage them to thrive as they did, in high school, through college.