As the school year is coming to an end, many seniors at OHS are getting ready to graduate. This is a big moment in their lives. Some feel excited, and some feel sad. I interviewed a few seniors to see how they feel about leaving high school, what they will miss, and what they plan to do next.

The first person I interviewed was Yazmin Chavez, a senior at OHS. I asked her how she feels about graduating from high school. She said, “I feel great about graduating, I finally get out into the real world, but also I feel sad because I won’t be able to see my friends anymore.” Her answer shows that she has mixed feelings. She is happy to move on, but she will miss the people she cares about.  Then I asked her what her plans are after high school. This is her response: “I plan on going to law school or just moving far away from VA.” This shows she wants a new start and is thinking about her future.

The second person I interviewed was Alison. I asked her what advice she would give to students who are coming into high school or are already in high school.  This is what she said. “Don’t follow other people, be your own person and do your own thing, and stay out of trouble and go to class!”  Her advice is simple but very helpful. High school can be hard, and it’s important to stay focused and make good choices. I also asked her what one thing she will miss the most about her daily routine here? She said, ” I am going to miss seeing my friends and my teachers, mostly everything. I’m so sad to leave, but at the same time, happy to start a new chapter in my life.”  Her answer shows that leaving high school is not easy, even if she is ready to move on.

The third person I interviewed is Victoria Irizarry. I asked her how she has changed the most since her freshman year and why. This is what she said, “I have changed the most by becoming more outspoken and less shy. I had to learn how to be confident in clubs and jobs.” This shows how much people can grow during high school; many students start off shy but become more confident over time. I also asked her what she is doing to get ready for her future. She said, “I am talking to my recruiter, studying for a higher ASVAB score, and working out a lot.” She is working hard to reach her goals and is already preparing for what comes next.

The fourth person is Celine Sakatan. I asked her if she was excited to walk on the stage at graduation. She said, “I’m so excited and nervous at the same time, but I know I will enjoy it with my friends.” I also asked her if she was going to decorate her cap, and she said, “Yes, I’m going to decorate my cap, but I’m not sure what to do yet. One of my options would be Gossip Girl.” Before graduation, a lot of seniors decorate their caps. It’s really fun and shows their personality during graduation.

The fifth person I interviewed was Maya Lucero. I asked her if she was going to decorate her cap, and she said yes. Then I asked her why she chose that design out of all the designs she could pick from, and this is what she said. “I’m choosing this design (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) because this is my favorite movie and book, and the quote We are infinite means a lot to me because it helps me live in the moment.” I also asked her how she plans to enjoy her last moments of high school. She said, ” During each hangout and time I spend with my friends, I will not take those moments for granted.” This shows that she wants to enjoy every moment before it ends.

The last person I interviewed was Heyle Cortez. I asked her what advice she would give to her freshman self. This is what she said: ” Take more breaks and stop stressing, but study hard.” Her answer shows that students should work hard but also take care of themselves. I also asked her what song would remind her of her senior year. She said, ” A song that will remind me of my senior year is Not a Lot, Just Forever by Adrianne Lenker, because the connections did not last, but the memories will.”

All of the seniors I interviewed shared similar feelings. They are excited to graduate and move on to the next part of their lives, but they are also said to leave their friends, teachers, and the school behind. High school is a place where they learned a lot and made memories. Some are going to college, some are going into the military, and others are still figuring things out. No matter what, they are moving forward, so to the Class of 2026, congrats and good luck in everything you do in life!