It is now May, which means it is time for all of our senior Eagles to start wrapping up their high school experience. During the month of May, seniors feel the need to make memorable experiences with friends and teachers to take along with them before everyone parts ways to go to college. Prior to college, there is so much excitement for seniors, and goals they’re looking forward to after college.

Some significant memories for many include homecoming, prom, senior sunrise, the senior trip, and many more. To some seniors, they have more favorable memories.  “One of my favorite memories includes Prom because I was letting loose,” said Alfonso Carino. The fact that this is their last high school prom is really bittersweet. Memories from high school don’t exactly have to take place in school. After graduation comes summer, and the plans for seniors don’t stop there.“After graduation, I plan to work and go to the beach with friends and family because I have never gone to the beach before,” said Yaretzi Zarazua. The summer after senior year is also very important because it is the last few months before becoming a freshman, except this time in college. 

After this school year, many seniors will disperse across the state or country, depending on where their college is located. “I am planning on going to Goucher College,” said Ludie Mouvi. Goucher College is a liberal arts college located in Towson, Maryland. “I am going to George Mason University,” said Carla Rich. George Mason University, also known as GMU, has multiple locations in VA. They are known as Virginia’s largest public research university. “I am going to Nova Community College,” said Saleisha Chirinous. “I am going to Radford University,” said Flavia Gavilano. These seniors are all going to great colleges, and they are also going to have a bright future ahead of them. 

When it comes to choosing what college you want to go to, you must keep in mind choosing a college that centers your interests. “I chose this college because I am interested and I’m getting a scholarship,” said Carla Rich. “I am going to NOVA for two years because I am currently trying to save money,” said Margaret Rivera. All of these are reasons on what college you’re going to and why. Going to a college that you like will fuel your motivation, mental health, and academic success. Being in programs you like and being around people you like would make you feel more comfortable and decrease academic stress. 

Alongside the decision of picking a college, they would also have to pick a major to study that relates to their interests in the future.  “I’m planning to double major in neuroscience and psychology with a minor in legal studies,” said Ludie Mouvi. “I’m majoring in Computer Science,” said Carla Rich. “I am planning on majoring in mechanical engineering,” said Zander Andres. “I am majoring in health and medical science,” said Saleisha Chirinous. What these Eagles have in common is that they all want to be a part of the STEM community. “I am majoring in criminal justice,” said Flavia Gavilano. The world is lucky to have future generations ready to claim their spots where the world needs them the most.

But for some Eagles, the extent of their learning doesn’t stop there. They want to expand their knowledge beyond their 4 years of college. “I’m planning on getting a master’s in forensic psychology at John Jay College,” said Ludie Mouvi. A master’s degree at John Jay College has a high global reputation and is highly respected. But it’s not only Ludie who wants to get a master’s degree. “I’m going to get my master’s degree,” said Carla Rich. Getting a master’s degree significantly boosts your lifetime earning potential and lets you have more opportunities for increased leadership, management, and academic roles.

Going through the trials and contributions that come with school isn’t all for nothing, and are used for a common goal, which is jobs. Jobs that many seniors probably have already dreamed of having. “In the future, I want to be a forensic/criminal psychologist, or an attorney,” said Ludie Mouvi. “In the future, I think I would pursue being a software engineer or a data scientist,” said Carla Rich. “In the future, I would like to go to Lockheed Martin or Micron. Most likely going into the automotive field,” said Zander Andres. People can say that these seniors are aiming to be important members of society with their highly skilled jobs.

Leaving high school and going to college carries so much excitement for our seniors because it is them trying something new. They must be looking forward to all sorts of things. “I’m looking forward to studying in a fashion class,” said Leo Galicia. “I’m looking forward to internships, the BAM program,” said Carla Rich. The BAM program at George Mason University is where you get a master’s degree in five years instead of six. “I can’t wait to meet more people and to settle down and find where I belong,” said Margaret Rivera. When you’re looking forward to things, you’re thinking about the future and how you want it to go. Having goals is a smart way to stay on track with shaping your future to clearly know what it is you’re marching towards. “My goal after college is to make my own business,” said Leo Galicia. “My goals for college are to get a bachelor’s degree, get an internship in engineering, and make more friends,” said Zander Andres. So it seems that our seniors know what they have going for them and are ready to venture on this not-so-easy journey of college. 

The clock is ticking, and the time is coming for seniors to take off to college. Leaving high school to find out that there is a bigger world outside of where you live is a memorable feeling that stays with people forever. Having an idea of what you will do and where you will be in the future is just the foundation for what you’ll do to become successful, and know what it is you’re looking forward to every day because of the goals you keep for yourself. Now it is a wrap for the class of 2026, as they’ll fly away from the Eagles’ nest. But as we say, once an Eagle, always an Eagle.