As the countdown to graduation ticks down, the reality of saying goodbye is finally starting to sink in for seniors. Between finals, college decisions and last moments, many are finding themselves preparing the messages they have been putting off. These “last messages” aren’t goodbyes; they are a glimpse of what the future holds for some seniors. Sharing their messages are Soraya Contreras, Yulissa Ramirez, Lizbeth Garcia, Nelly Banda and Savannah Galas.
If you could leave one message for underclassmen, what would it be?
Contreras: Go to class and don’t skip.
Ramirez: Lock in your first two years, and you’ll have an easy ride the last two years.
Garcia: Have fun and join extracurricular activities.
Banda: Don’t spend your time trying to be someone you’re not just to fit in. Most people are too focused on themselves to judge you. Be yourself early on and actually enjoy high school instead of constantly worrying.
Galas: Stay out of drama and don’t try to fit in.
What is something you wish you knew as a freshman?
Garcia: Join cross country because it’s fun.
Galas: Something I wish I knew as a freshman would be how fast high school goes by.
Ramirez: People don’t pay attention as much as you think they do.
Banda: I wish I knew that not everything is as serious as it feels in the moment. A bad day or an embarrassing moment won’t matter as much as you think later. I would have stressed less and focused more on enjoying the experience.
Contreras: You’re going to meet a lot of new people.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Galas: The advice I’d give my younger self would be to stay positive. Everything will work out, and don’t stress the little things.
Contreras: Do something in school and out of school.
Banda: I would tell myself to stop doubting and trust that things will work out. You don’t need to have everything figured out to be on the right path. Also, don’t give your energy to people who don’t give it back.
Garcia: I would tell myself to enjoy every moment and to quit being shy.
Ramirez: Just show up and see what happens.
Is there a teacher who made a big impact on you?
Ramirez: A teacher who made an impact on me was my freshman U.S. history teacher. Mr. Barnett showed me kindness and patience when I was at my lowest. I’d tell him that if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be able to speak up for myself against teachers who weren’t as understanding of my situation at the time.
Galas: Mr. Guericke and Mr. Podjenski impacted me. I would tell them thanks for impacting me and letting me stay in your class during advisement.
Contreras: Mr. Podjenski impacted me. He would actually grade my assignments on time.
Garcia: Mr. Peterson and Dr. Allred impacted me. They showed that they truly cared and were extremely nice to me.
Banda: I had a couple of teachers who impacted me. I would like to say thank you for seeing me as more than a student. You made learning feel less overwhelming and helped me feel supported, especially during difficult times. Your impact meant more than you probably realize.
Shout out to someone who helped you through high school.
Banda: I want to thank the ones who were always there for me, whether it was listening, encouraging me or just being present. Your support made a real difference, and I’m very grateful for that.
Ramirez: Allyson Serrano!
Garcia: Shout out to all my friends who were with me and made school more fun.
Galas: I’d shout out my mom for always waking me up for school and supporting me through my high school years.
What will you miss the most about school?
Galas: One thing I will miss the most is growing up with my friends.
Banda: I’ll miss the everyday moments like seeing familiar faces, having small conversations and sharing laughs without planning it. Those simple moments end up meaning the most.
Garcia: I will miss seeing my friends every single day.
Contreras: Seeing my friends every day.
Ramirez: I will miss seeing my closest friends during school.
