As this unexpected year comes to an end, HHS seniors are enjoying their last days of high school as they get ready to graduate. Although this wasn’t an ideal year, our seniors are giving these last days their best effort as this important milestone in life comes to an end.

High school, described as an “experience” by several seniors, is where you learn important fundamental lessons, skills, and morals. Time management, independence, leadership skills, and so many more were the most important things high school seniors learned during these four years. Alyssa Forhsey says, “High school is such an interesting experience and I think they’re years that everyone should cherish because when you graduate, you’re becoming an adult and becoming responsible for many things.” 

Teachers play a big role during these four years of high school. Their advice and attempts to push students to do their greatest is the best mentorship for success. HHS teachers such as Mr. Castillo, Sra. Newsome, and of course Mr. Bland, are amongst the teachers that have been great mentors to various seniors. “He’s [Mr. Bland] a great teacher and I will definitely miss him when I leave high school,” says Forshey. 

Students are a combination of excited and afraid now that they will be graduating high school and moving on to the next big step in their life; college. Irene Casillas hopes to “go to Stan State and hopefully transfer to Fresno State, and get my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies to become either a kindergarten or first grade teacher.” Alyssa Forshey says, “I will be attending the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and studying psychology. I plan to have a career in this field, either as a social worker, school counselor, or something of the sort.” Both Casillas and Forshey say they hope to have a family and raise their children. Octavio Madrigal says, “I’m planning to attend UC Merced this upcoming school year…I plan to major in civil engineering.” Abianna Solorzano says, “ I am planning on attending CSU Stanislaus in Turlock. It’s a quick and easy drive to my house, and has all the programs I want. I plan on pursuing a career in public relations.” 

In five years, these seniors plan to have graduated college with their desired degrees, have their stable dream job, and hopefully have their own family. They all plan to give this upcoming journey their biggest effort, using their motivation to succeed as the pathway to achieve their goals for the future. “I hope to apply all the skills I’ve learned so far and the ones I learn on the way and use them in any of the challenges I come to face, “ says Octavio Madrigal. 

The thought of the future and what lies ahead is the biggest fear of many seniors. They fear of “becoming a failure,” “being alone,” “rushing things,” and overall not knowing how things will turn out. Regardless, these seniors are ready for the challenges of tomorrow in order to achieve their dreams. 

At just a week away from graduation, HHS seniors look back and reflect on how high school has shaped them into the people they are today and how their experience has prepared them for what is next. “High school has shaped me into the person I am today because I have learned many skills that I will carry with me for the rest of my life,“ says Casillas. Forshey adds by saying, “High school has completely shaped me into the person I am today. The people I’ve met, including teachers and friends, the things I’ve experienced – everything somehow contributes to who I am today.”

When asked to give freshman advice, Abianna Solorzano says, “Please ask for help! Never be afraid to ask for assistance or reach out.” Both Forshey and Casillas recommend always being on top of things and to have fun. Madrigal says to enjoy your time because, as many always say, “it really does go by fast.”