Talon Magazine staff interviewed the 2024 Comp Sci seniors for this special farewell issue. Each senior was asked to reflect on three questions regarding their time in high school. Their responses are listed under their name. The answers represent not just their experiences from the last four years but the impact their time at Comp Sci High will have long into their futures. Farewell, friends.
Photo courtesy of Comp Sci Yearbook staff.
Reflecting on your time in high school, what were the most valuable life lessons you learned?
What helped you get through the challenging times of high school, and what was your biggest support system?
Can you describe any friendships or relationships from high school that have had a lasting impact on you, and how did they shape your overall experience?
Question 1: One of the valuable lessons I learned was in financial algebra. I learned responsibilities, investing for the future, and about credit cards.
Question 2: Friends and family were a support. They helped to motivate me. Guidance was a support too. They helped teach me what I needed to know about college.
Question 3: My friends and family helped me prepare and plan for my future.
Question 1: Well, firstly, I came into high school during the COVID pandemic and that completely changed everything for us as students. The way they treated us, the way we had to learn and grow; it was hard, but I learned that in tough times it teaches you to grow stronger and better. I also learned that if you want change you have to push for it. If you want the best for yourself and to thrive you have to do it yourself.
Question 2: Music is my number one peace. When I play a song I feel so great it's like my mind slips into a deep peace. We all know that school isn't the easiest thing and its suffocating, especially when you're new or when you know you're graduating in a month. So listening to music helps me so much. It's my form of medication. It opens my mind.
Question 3: My friend group—they have helped me through so much in the last four years. And I'm so grateful that I got to gain such friendships. School is hard, and although everyone says "Life after high school is harder" it still doesn't change the fact that it sucks when all you hear is talk about "working and what college you'll be going to," but you haven't even finished sophomore year yet. Having my friends definitely put me at ease and helped me laugh when I needed it. Whenever I was scared they're right there, if I needed anyone to talk to they're a phone call away. Anything I needed, they tried to help as best as they could. That helped me so much throughout high school because you can't really find friends like them anymore.
Question 1: Reflecting on my time in high school, the most valuable lessons I learned was to get out of your comfort zone and try new things that can make your high school experience way better. You also need to be wise when choosing who you want to be your friend(s). Time really does fly by fast, I learned to not be scared to ask for help when you need it.
Question 2: What helped me through the challenging times of high school was my brothers. I knew I had to be a role model for them and me getting through high school was to show them that they can do it no matter how hard it gets. My biggest support system was my family. They were always there when I needed help, whether it be with my homework or with other stuff I had going on outside of school.
Question 3: The friendships that have made a lasting impact on me are the ones from softball and volleyball. They have helped me in my classes and also in the sport. It could be them helping me with my homework or showing me how to do something better in softball or volleyball so that I could get better at it.They made my high school experience fun and they were always there to make my mood better even if they didn’t know I was in a bad mood. Being a part of the teams helped me to become a leader and a role model for the underclassmen.
Question 1: Be consistent with everything, like work, friends, sports.
Question 2: Staying consistent was a challenge. We get so much work and have to do so many activities, like sports. I needed to manage my time.
Question 3: I used to think everyone was my friend. But I grew out of those people and met new people who helped me realize what real friends are. People can be one-sided and only come to you when they want something versus my real friends today. We all come to each other and help each other because we genuinely care.
Question 1: I learned to be outspoken by voicing my problems. I learned to self-advocate and take care of myself.
Question 2: Music was my support system because it helped affect my mood and helped me through challenging times.
Question 3: Some friends in my friend group from middle school fell out, so I learned things don't always go the way you expect and people change.
Question 1: The most valuable life lessons I learned was to never give up and keep going. Especially when you have challenging situations upon you. You have to thrive to do your best because you never know who's watching. I was always told "the sky's the limit." The possibilities are endless.
Question 2: For me personally, I was able to go through the challenging times of high school because of the people I surrounded myself with. My friends are really important to me, and being able to have friends like that means a lot to me. One of my biggest support system was my best friend, Chelsea. She always pushed me to do better and pushed me to go above and beyond. She showed me that if I put my mind to it I can do it. I used to always say “whatever” to a grade. I didn't try again. I didn't care to do it. But seeing her dedication and having her push me made me realize that I did care, I did want what I was working for. She always made sure I didn't give up, and she always made sure I was okay.
Question 3: Coming into high school I didn't know anyone. The first person I met here was a straight weirdo, but because of her I met my best friend, and I'm so grateful for that. With that, I met my friend group; my amazing friend group. My friends have had a lasting impact on me because they're my riders. When I need them there, if I ever need a hug, or to rant to them. They shaped my overall experience because it showed me that friendships in high school can last when you choose them wisely.
Question 1: The most valuable life lesson I learned is that nothing is permanent. I shall never look at things as if they're going to be long term because you never know what can happen. "Things change, people change, feelings change too." - PARTYNEXTDOOR
Question 2: Some things that have helped me get through high school would be the friends I've had since freshman year. Even though our friend group isn't always together and has kind of split apart, we all still have each other's backs no matter what. I wouldn't trade my group for anyone no matter what happens. My biggest support system would be my family. They push me to succeed in life everyday and they always make sure I go above and beyond on everything I do.
Question 3: Friendships that have had a lasting impact on me would have to my friend group. That consists of Alana, Chelsea, Selenia, and you [Aniyah]. We've all been friends since our freshman year once school first started. Ever since then, everyone's bonds have grown and we've all come closer as one. It's not even like they're friends anymore, they're more like family because of the type of bonds we've made throughout our 4 years of high school. It shaped my overall experience by helping me have more fun in high school. Without them, I don't think I'd be the person I am today.
Question 1: I learned to not try so hard to fit in and to be your true self.
Question 2: Having someone to talk to helped me. You need someone who doesn't hold judgement against you and who won't make you feel bad.
Question 3: My high school experience was uneventful because my friends helped keep me out of a lot of drama--they took me away from a lot dramatic people. My current friends taught me how to distance myself from the drama and helped me to be more mature.
Question 1: I learned that having a sense of individuality is important in high school. You can't shape your entire identity around one person or one group of people. And you should not allow yourself to be swayed and abandon your morals for the sake of fitting in. Boundaries are important.
Question 2: My biggest support system had to have been my friends and my boyfriend of four years. They have always supported me, given me a safe space to feel vulnerable, and will give me honest and open advice and guidance through situations I've been through. And even if I didn't want guidance, they were always there to lend a shoulder or a hand.
Question 3: My friend group and my boyfriend. I feel like both of them have really helped me come out of my shell. Freshman and sophomore year, I was really shy, didn't talk, and I didn't get involved in anything. Being friends with them has made me more outgoing, more talkative, more expressive, and it's made me feel more comfortable with just being myself because they support it and accept it.
Question 1: I learned about myself and how to manage my time so I can have a healthy work and life balance.
Question 2: My friends and teachers were my biggest support systems for sure. If I was going through something or just needed a reason to come to school, they were that motivation for me.
Question 3: Meeting my best friend junior year shaped the rest of my high school experience. It’s just the healthiest and most fulfilling friendship I've ever had. We can literally have a good time anywhere and when we're together, school isn't so bad. That definitely made my high school experience much better.
Question 1: There are people who are trusting but don't deserve trust. I learned that I could be cared for and loved, but I'd also have to care and love back. The things that make sense to me and work for me don't make sense and work for others. I've just existed, and I've learned that just existing is the worst way to live and think.
Question 2: I just dealt with anything that happened whether it was school or personal issues, I dealt with it myself; but Kai has been there with me when I couldn't handle it anymore, when I didn't know what to do she was my support system when I didn't know what one was.
Question 3: My first actual friendship was in this school where a person got close to me like no one has before and got in my head and knew my emotions and my issues and problems—it shaped me because it gave me the thought that I could be cared for and worried about, but eventually things went horrible and complicated; and the end of that friendship impacted me to not want to be close to anyone. Until I met Kai, she was interested in me, but I didn't want a relationship just yet. The more I talked to her, the more I got to know her. I ended up catching feelings, and we ended up together. It shaped me as a person, having me work on my issues, and the problems with my actions made me a better person; and yes, I'm not the greatest, and I do still have my problems, but I'll continue to work on myself because of her influence and impact.
Question 1: I've learned to stay true to myself. People come and go, so I learned not to get attached. People do their own thing. It's important to be independent and true to yourself.
Question 2: My siblings helped me. Also taking time off—time away from people to reflect. But sometimes being around friends to help get you through it. And I found a staff member to help me out lately. Be honest with teachers so they know what you're going through.
Question 3: Things change. Staying in contact with people is so hard. While in school, it's easy because you see people everyday. But you have to be realistic. When I leave, I'm going to start from zero. I have a plan to meet new people and have new experiences. I'm ready to start my new life.
Question 1: Stand up for yourself.
Question 2: My mom and music.
Question 3: My bestfriend Joey.
Question 1: Consistency; with and without it, I've seen what it can do. Without it–personally–I am lazy and my sleep schedule is off. You have to stay consistent or the negatives will compound.
Question 2: Honestly, this school is easy; average, but my most challenging year was senior year because I stopped being consistent. I was repeating negative habits and faced internal challenges. Those challenges helped prepare me for the future.
Question 3: Mr. Moore. We connected while he was still here. He pushes you toward more, gets you thinking differently, and prepares you in a different way than the school. He's still impacting me even though he isn't here. He still teaches me to implement my discipline and gives me valuable resources. I'm still learning from him.
Question 1: Knowing who to surround yourself with, knowing how to keep yourself on track, having the right space level, making sure you're just on top of your things.
Question 2: I'd say my grandma, like when I'm stressing she'll just give me advice and I'll go from it and just take it. So yeah, I'll just say my grandma.
Question 3: I mean, I've been friends with them since before middle school. Like we just clicked together. So they impacted me. It's bitter sweet too, so we had our good days and bad moments, but I still love 'em all. I just hope the best for 'em.
Question 1: To understand that everything has purpose, allow yourself to really enjoy the time that you have because it eventually will be gone, take advantage of anything, and finally find the good things in the bad.
Question 2: My friends helped me get through challenging times in high school. And my support system was my Mom. Also, understanding that everything has an ending so I get to choose my ending. The harder I work at what I want to do, the better the ending will be.
Question 3: My friends and very loving girlfriend helped me understand and figure out who I am and what I want to be. They help me execute a lot of the things that I've always wanted to do in high school.
Question 1: Do your work whenever it’s actually there instead of doing it late and later. And another one would be to just not try to be the best, but just do good enough. Then you do better than what you thought. I just do good enough and when I do I get a 80.
Question 2: The teachers were more like friends more than anything. They definitely did help a lot with doing work and giving me more time than I needed. My friends would just have my back and let me copy sometimes. I got a lot of work done because of some of these teachers and friends.
Question 3: One of my friends got me into skateboarding, which really changed my life. It's so fun, and I do a lot, and, honestly, I go outside a lot more now because skateboarding is outside. I do that a lot, and a few more friends and even a teacher got me into playing volleyball, which I love volleyball. This whole time and now I'm actually on the team. I made varsity, and I can play a few games and like it's so fun. Thank you so much Interview.
Question 1: I feel some of the more valuable life lessons I've learned were just good work ethic basically.
Question 2: Definitely my mom and some of my teachers and friends for sure. They helped me through times when I wasn't feeling my best or needed some help with certain things.
Question 3: Definitely two of my friends helped me throughout the hardships. When I was feeling down or even, like, if they were feeling down—it helped me build relationships and things like that.
Question 1: Everybody isn’t your friend, and high school is preparing you for the outside world to make smarter decisions.
Question 2: I would say my biggest support system was my friends. And my coach was my mentor to me for all four of my years in high school, guiding me on the right path to success.
Question 3: My cousin and my friend were the biggest impact for me because we always had each other's back in the books and outside of them. And our bond grew even bigger playing football together for three years.
Question 1: In high school, I learned that perseverance pays off and friendships are both key and dispensable. High school has also taught me a lot about resilience and time management. These lessons have guided me through challenges and taught me what I know today.
Question 2: During the rough times in high school, my biggest support group was my family and most definitely my close group of friends. The encouragement and shared experiences helped me overcome challenging experiences I faced throughout the years.
Question 3: Many friendships have impacted me and led me to where I am today. Without broken bonds and relationships, I wouldn't have had the small group of friends I grew close to because of them. Losing and gaining friends has taught me more about empathy and the importance of understanding different viewpoints, even if I don't agree with them. It shaped my overall experience by teaching me how to be more open minded and compassionate when interacting with others.
Question 1: As we get older, we got more responsibilities and less help.
Question 2: Friends and family.
Question 3: Gabby, she brings happiness and laughter.
Question 1: I think the most valuable lesson that I learned is to allow yourself to enjoy your experience; don't get sucked into all the drama and the deadlines, have fun, and make memories
Question 2: What helped me get through high school was that you can't be too serious because your self-validation is better than anyone else’s self-validation. And if you feel like you did enough then that's that.
Question 3: I think being in a friend group, opening up with different lifestyles and experiences. I came from a small school, so when I met Riley and my other friend group, it made me open up more.
Question 1: I was going through a rough time and I learned to keep friends close and make sure they understand you.
Question 2: My support system was my friends. They helped me by actively caring about me.
Question 3: My current friend group has been friends with me since sophomore year. They've been with me since the worse and best times. I'd like to be associated with them or years to come.
Question 1: Time is of the essence. It is very important and it runs out quickly.
Question 2: My biggest support system during high school was my parents. Anything I need, I can call on them.
Question 3: The sports teams that I was apart of the last four years of high school, have impacted my life. The coaches and players have always been someone I can call on.
Question 1: Freshmen year was easy. Sophomore year, things were back to normal. After that, I learned to do you, to push it—you know, thug it out.
Question 2: Class work—teachers give hard assignments, like capstone. But after we leave, life is more challenging.
Question 3: The real people know my personality. My friends, some of the staff, they want me to do good and push myself and get out on time.
Question 1: High school opened me up. I was very to myself, but I learned to open up to what I was passionate about, like music. I learned to open up to others, too, and be more confident. I became prepared with skills like communication and being open to opportunities, time management, things like that.
Question 2: My biggest challenge, I'm still going through it actually. My current relationship, we met in the beginning of high school and she helps me balance my passions. Like having to be an only child with a single parent. I get a lot of staff support from Mr. Weisel. Music helps me zone out. Class helps because it helps you focus on other stuff, like class work.
Question 3: My girlfriend helped shape me. We were young when we met, still are young, but I learned to sacrifice a lot. When we first started dating, I helped pay for her sweet 16. I needed the money to help my mom move, but we decided to use the money to help her. I don't regret it because we helped make a memory, even though now we need to move. I'm proud because I was able to give to someone. And if it doesn't work out, whatever. I know I did something. My relationship with Mr. Lotreck, too. He was a father figure. A lot of male staff members chipped in as a role model for me. I got a lot of support from women in my family. But kids start down the wrong path when they're looking for a support system. Mr. Lotreck and other male staff always chipped in for me.
Question 1: Females are fake.
Question 2: Myself and the staff.
Question 3: No comment.
Question 1: My mom helped me understand it's OK to be different. And that people will accept you for who you are.
Question 2: When my grandmother got sick and passed away, there was a lot to manage at home and at school. It was really hard. But I had friends there for me to help. They talked to me and shared experiences. It helped me get through it.
Question 3: The relationships I formed helped me be more open to others. They taught me to not be afraid of friends. They helped me interact more. It opened me up to opportunities, and I learned to take advantage.
Question 1: The most valuable life lessons I learned was I have to be on time. I have to be responsible, and I have to take accountability to do my work.
Question 2: What helped through the challenging times in high school was music. I always had music in my ear. A big help was also my teachers. My biggest support system was my coach, Coach Basz. He was the person who pushed me to be on task and be on top of everything. When I needed his help to talk to coaches to take my football career to the next level he was always there.
Question 3: No comment.
Question 1: The most valuable lesson I learned was to stay focused and keep on track even if nobody believes you can do it because of behavior or lack of direction.
Question 1: Playing football helped me throughout challenging times of high school; having something to motivate me and it was something I loved doing. My biggest support system was my mentor teaching me things outside of school. That’s changed my perspective.
Question 1: My brothers DJ and Nigel. They shaped me into enjoying high school and seeing things bigger, such as “you can bring them to the fountain, can't help them drink it.” This helped me help my brothers and gave me motivation to set a leadership path for them.
Question 1: One of the most valuable life lessons I learned throughout high school was that success comes from hard work, and making the most out of each opportunity presented in front of you is crucial.
Question 2: What helped me get through challenging times was ignoring procrastination and overthinking. My biggest support system is my mom. She is my number one fan and always is there for me.
Question 3: A couple of friendships I have impacted me in a different way. They helped to make my overall experience better by supporting each other and having fun.
Question 1: NEVER think your friends won’t do it to you because they will. Make sure you have fun, and make sure to MIND YOUR BUSINESS.
Question 2: Something that helped me would be my extra time. My biggest support system would have to be mis amigos.
Question 3: Freshman year through junior year, I was friends with certain people and they weren’t good for me. Through the years, I learned to not trust people. I now know how to pick my friends wisely.
Question 1: The lessons I learned were to choose friends very carefully, manage time and prioritize better, always do your work, do what you have to do, and how to persevere, how to keep fighting.
Question 2: Teachers were a big support system. My mother and sister too.
Question 3: I had a friend group, but mostly teachers taught me how to keep going. When I felt like giving up, they taught me to keep pushing.
Question 1: I don't know.
Question 2: Not being in school and taking naps.
Question 3: Probably my entire friend group.
Question 1: You don’t need a friend group. You don’t have to fit in with others. I think this is the biggest lesson I learned, overall. Growing up, I always dreamed about having my little high school friend group, but reality taught me that there’s no such thing. Being a part of a friend group isn’t all that. I don’t need to fit in, I don’t need to get along with everyone in my grade. Yeah, it’s good to have friends, but I can live without them. Just because I’m lonely and have no one, it doesn’t mean I should hang out with just anyone. It can be hard to find good friends. Having one true friend is good enough. Don’t waste your energy and time on things that won’t help you get anywhere in life. Relationships, drama, all that petty stuff doesn’t matter. Don’t let those things get in your way. You’re better than that.
Question 2: Mostly music and journaling. Through tough times, I didn’t have anyone to talk to. I only had myself. I didn’t have many options, so I turned to writing and listening to music to help me cope.
Question 3: I’ve experienced both good and bad moments with both. Overall, I feel like they drained me a lot. Most of my friendships and relationships brought me down rather than up. These friendships made me lose a lot of trust and made me feel pathetic. Overall, I wasted my high school years trying to make friends when I should’ve just focused on myself more.
Question 1: If an opportunity or task presents itself, go for it immediately. Don't wait! If you can do that, you'll succeed. Any life opportunity, any possibility, give it a shot.
Question 2: COVID was challenging. I did pretty good, but being home changed my work process. Having REAL help from teachers wasn't there. But my parents, my father, pushed me. He was my support system.
Question 3: Friends, who you hang with, make up who you are. Making friends can help you. Connecting with teachers, those bonds can help you. You can go to them and say anything.
Question 1: How to communicate with people after COVID.
Question 2: I'll say Ms. Jahne helped me a lot.
Question 3: Being best friends with Ama helped me with a lot.
Question 1: I learned a lot of patience. Dealing with people 24/7, it's a struggle. In order to do that, you have to have patience—patience with school, teachers, and yourself. When I realized that, I realized that teachers are actually here to help.
Question 2: Taking two English classes back-to-back was really challenging. I was a mess. I wasn't focused. I just took the year as it was. I kept thinking, "I don't want to be here," but teacher support helped me get through it.
Question 3: Lishamarie Cruz took me under her wing. I miss her. She helped me find who I am and made me realize the true factors of life, like life isn't a game. With school, she helped me set a plan, go step-by-step, day-by-day. But that's how you have to deal with life too.
Question 1: The most valuable life lesson I learned was was that you always have to stay true to yourself and put you before others.
Question 2: Be able to have time to myself and work alone in the library and just listen to music and have some sort of peace.
Question 3: My boy, Chris, has definitely been there for me throughout everything this year. He helped me get through things I wouldn’t have been able to do without him.
Question 1: I learned to always keep a close group of people around you to help you out and back you up when you need it the most.
Question 2: My friend group, honestly, was there for me a lot when I needed it. Two people in particular that I will never forget are Xavier and Ethan. Those are my battle buddies, and anytime something happened they were there, and if it wasn't for them I'd be in a lot more of a mess than I am.
Question 3: Besides the usual friends, Xavier and Ethan, I'm never going to forget them because they made the experience very memorable.
Question 1: I think some of the most valuable life lessons that I have learned are no matter what you do or say not everyone is going to like or agree with you, and that is perfectly OK. I've also learned that you will have academic success, and you will also fail, but as long as you keep pushing and pushing you will get right where you need to be.
Question 2: Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Wilson. Mrs. Omed, and Mrs. Harris. They were always there for me when I needed help the most, checked in on me, and always offered advice to me when I needed it; as well as my friends--they helped me get through those times too. And I would have to say they were my biggest support system as well.
Question 3: All the friendships I have encountered over the course of my high school career, whether I haven't talked to them much, lost contact, and/or still have contact with, they have really shaped my experience because they all played an important role in my life or are people that memories were created with. And that is something that I will hold on to forever. They also made the experience so much better and enjoyable in times that were tough. For relationships, I did have a relationship that had a lasting impact on me. I was able to grow from the experience, learn from it, see how can I improve as a person and just be better to people and myself overall. But all good things must come to an end, and that’s what happened. But it still taught me so much that I'm grateful for, and I wish nothing but the best for that person to this day.
Question 1: Deadlines are real.
Question 2: My biggest support system has been my friends.
Question 3: The relationships that I have developed have given me a purpose to keep going at times when I felt like giving up. I came to the school knowing no one, so they made me feel welcomed and comfortable.
Question 1: Everyone isn't your friend. You get used to talking to people everyday, then you stop. You grow apart. Change.
Question 2: Just coming to school was a challenge. I didn't want to be here. But I got over it because people cared about me and wanted to see me succeed.
Question 3: There's one friend. I got to know myself as a person based on my experiences with that person. I made mistakes early, and I learned from those mistakes.
Question 1: I would say I learned that holding things off until the last minute isn't going to get me anywhere in life, and if I want to go to college or get a good job, I'm going to have to know how to manage my time.
Question 2: I feel like the only thing that got me through high school was music, and I think my biggest support system was myself because I always had faith in me graduating high school, even during the hard times.
Question 3: In my freshman and sophomore year, I don't think there was any friendships that made an impact on me, but when I got into junior and senior year, I definitely had a few friendships that had an impact on me. I like to say, those people made my last two years of high school a lot more fun and memorable.
Question 1: Stay out of drama, and stay on top of your work, and watch who you call your friends.
Question 2: My biggest support system is Giasullo, Shynia, Neveah, and Sahlon they always help me with any of my work and especially with capstone.
Question 3: Shynia, Neveah, and Sahlon. They have always been there since like sophomore year going until today.
Question 1: Some of the most valuable life lessons that I've learned in school were being able to be myself and learning that I don't have to please anyone.
Question 2: Some of the things that helped me get through high school were my teachers and guidance counselors. They were always there for me when I needed someone to talk to and needed help. Whether it was grade stuff or social stuff or just outside at home stuff, they were always there for me.
Question 3: My friendships were troubled toward senior year, but I grew up with my friends and I can't say that I regret it. What I learned is that it's okay to grow out of your friends, and you're always going to have new friendships, and there's always going to be people there for you no matter what.
Question 1: I learned a sense of belonging. I have a sense of identity now because of the individuals I surround myself with. Friends, family. They helped me realize I didn't have to base my identity on someone or something I'm not. I didn't feel like I had to change myself to feel like I belong. The people I surrounded myself with helped me see I can be myself.
Question 2: Perfectionism was a challenge for me, like with my writing. I wanted everything to be perfect. I didn't want people thinking I wasn't good enough. I guess it's the people pleaser in me, but perfectionism gave me a sense of acceptance—like I deserve what I have. It drives me to do well, but I need to learn to balance it so I don't burn out.
Question 3: The relationships and bonds I formed helped me be comfortable with change in myself with my surroundings. The future is all about change. Being an adult is all about living with change. I'm thankful for my relationships in high school because they helped prepare me to deal with those changes and made me less fearful.
Question 1: There are people who share interests, mindset, humor, but you need to find them and open up to them. Having them in your life makes high school a lot easier.
Question 2: My friends are very supportive. They helped me when I Was falling behind in my classes. They are always with me and comfort me, through my academics and my personal life.
Question 3: My friendship with Kamie will have a lasting impact on me because I would not have met my other friends or our friend group. Kamie and all of my other brought out my talkative side and helped me break out of my shell.
Question 1: It showed me to stick to myself.
Question 2: I didn't let school stress me out.
Question 3: My friendship last year showed me a lot. It showed me that surrounding myself with the wrong people is not going to get you anywhere.
Question 1: The most valuable lesson I learned in high school was how to love myself. Loving myself has only benefited me and my perspective. Learning how to love myself has allowed me to be myself no matter what, along with considering myself over others and how to stop caring about what other people think about me.
Question 2: What helped me get through challenging times was the environment I put myself in. Allowing myself to outlet my stress in healthy ways and to rely on people who pushed me to be my best self. My friends have been an immense help throughout high school, giving me a diamond in the rough.
Question 3: The friendships that I’ve gained throughout high school have taught me what a friendship should look like. Not every friendship is perfect. And it’s allowed me to become more independent while others have taught me that real friendships will have hardships and misunderstandings. But being able to come together and get through challenges are what make our bond special. They have shaped me as a person and have made my high school experience a rollercoaster of laughs and entertainment.
Question 1: I learned that time management is important.
Question 2: There are a lot of teachers here at this school who are very helpful and supportive. They understand that we all have lives outside of school.
Question 3: Sophomore year my friends inspired me to get a job as soon as I turned 16; so I did and, I still work there until this day.
Question 1: The most valuable life lessons that I learned is that people change and that you're not going to be stuck with the same person forever. AS well as mistakes happen and the best thing to do is learn from them and move on.
Question 2: No comment.
Question 3: Throughout high school I've been through a lot of different friendships and friend groups, but I can say that this one right now is by far one of the most fun and easy going. We all get along with each other so well and our personalities complement each other in the best ways. Being around my friends has made my last few months in high school the most memorable. I couldn't be more grateful for it. All our laughs and deep conversations. Overall, just messing around with each other are memories I will carry beyond high school.
Question 1: Sometimes you grow apart from people and friends. It's not always on bad terms. You just grow away from them. Sometimes you have to let friends go.
Question 2: Procrastination. I'm still dealing with it. Like, right now. To this second there's stuff I haven't done. Like with capstone, it was a really hard topic for me, but I wanted to do it. It helped me in a way. It made me realize some stuff and reevaluate the people around me. It helped me pass on what I learned.
Question 3: I experienced a lot through friendships. I learned new things, made bonds, experienced different views, made me open minded. Everyone's different. My friends helped me be more open to new friendships. It's eye opening.
Question 1: Honestly, I learned that I'm a lazy person when it comes to work. School taught me about deadlines and getting work done on time.
Question 2: What was most challenging was getting all of my credits so I can graduate. The school told me I might not graduate so I needed to stay on my grind. I couldn't miss a single day.
Question 3: Freshman year, I didn't talk to a lot of people. After that, I started to open up more. People helped me get through high school because I felt like I wasn't alone. My bonds with teachers were important too; I'm kind of unfiltered, and there are teachers who understand that. It's important to me because I don't want people or teachers to think I'm rude. They just understood me for me, you know?
Question 1: Have your own mindset, don't be in drama, and don't call everyone your friend.
Question 2: Mr. G, Mr. K, Mrs. Roderick, and Mikan.
Question 3: Shynia, Sahlon, Nikkia, Keke, Enrique, Gabby, Jerimayha. They always helped me get through my day, good motivation, and always gave me a good laugh.
Question 1: There's a quote Ms. Reid taught me, which was, "I can lead you to water, but I can't make you drink it," which really means help can only go so far. It's your job to take it and apply it—can't always go through life with your hand being held, you know?
Question 2: The teachers. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here at senior year. One of the teachers was Mr. Casioppo. He helped me get through our freshman and sophomore year. And then Ms. Meincke and Ms. Jahne. They really helped me throughout my junior and senior year.
Question 3: My friends, which is literally everyone in the school. I'm friends with everyone. I love everyone the same. There's no hate towards anyone. Sometimes I hang with the wrong people in the right crowds, but it's all a good mix. At the end of the day, you have to know who are your real friends and who isn't, you know?
Question 1: Don't procrastinate.
Question 2: Friends, and some of my teachers.
Question 3: I don't know.
Question 1: High School taught me that you shouldn't take anything personal. We are still growing and still maturing
Question 2: My biggest support system was Christian. Whatever I went through out of school, it affected me to do better in school—to obviously get me out of certain home life situations—and just doing better than the environment I was in.
Question 3: The friendships I do have, I cherish them; and the friendships I don't have anymore, I still cherish them. People come and go and have fallouts, but we lived and learned. There aren't any hard feelings anymore.
Question 1: Throughout my time in high school, I'd say the biggest life lesson I learned was to just be your own person and not care what anyone else says or thinks about you. High school has built such a system that makes everyone feel they need to do certain things to fit in and honestly, you'll never see half of these people ever again so why worry about the opinions of people who don't even benefit your life?
Question 2: I think reading and music have been two things that have gotten me through high school. It's scary to think about going to school and not being able to fit in or worrying about being alone and sitting by yourself. For me personally, I have found the most peace sitting by myself and listening to music while I read. I don't have to worry about the people around me when I'm minding my own business. Our generation has detached from the simple things in life and I think we all should have something–like reading or listening to music–that we love.
Question 3: No comment.
Question 1: You need time alone to improve and reflect upon yourself, so it's nice to take moments to just have some solitude.
Question 2: Using art as an outlet to pull back from the stress, and the amazing staff, teachers, and my friends.
Question 3: My friendship with Samantha and Lee.
Question 1: The most valuable thing is don't try to be like others. Be the one who is different, who stands out. If you live your life saying, "well blank does this" or "everybody does this, why can't I?"—that will only lead you to becoming average. We are not here to be average, so forge your own path. Don't be like the rest.
Question 2: This one is very simple: discipline. Having developed the ability to tell yourself "I don't have to feel like it to do it" or "success doesn't care how you feel.” That is what got me through rough times; not only in highschool but in general. Discipline is key, so my biggest support system is myself and my ability to want it bad enough. "Support systems'' only last so long. At the end of the day, it's just you and your brain, so take control.
Question 3: A relationship that had a huge impact on me was my ex-girlfriend Rachel. She wasn't a girl but a woman. She taught me many things and turned me into a better man. She taught me what maturity is. She didn't just shape my high school experience, but my life by making me want to BE BETTER!
Question 1: I think the most important life lesson I've learned was how important being independent is going into high school. A lot of people struggled with a sense of individuality, including myself, but as the years went on it was easier to break away from that and become less reliant on others.
Question 2: Life doesn't end at high school. All the work I've done and all the stress I've endured is just a stepping stone in the bigger picture. My biggest support system has been myself.
Question 3: I don't think any one relationship in particular has meant more than others, but I think getting to know everyone better this year has reminded me that we kind of go through a lot of the same stuff, so that makes high school less isolating. It's fun relating to people.
Question 1: Not to depend on people. Everybody ain’t your friend and you can always stand on your own.
Question 2: Probably staff-wise, like Ms. Harris, Janell, and Marlowe. They were always understanding of any situation I was going through outside or inside of school. I know I can rely on them.
Question 3: I feel like my friendship with Mo'khael. She became that one I can call on for anything and I can trust her with anything. I even feel like she changed me in a way just because she pushed me to do better.
Question 1: In financial algebra, I learned a lot about money, about how to save, about loans. It's important because if you don't know how to save you might end up struggling.
Question 2: I struggled in Spanish class. I'm Hispanic, but I don't speak Spanish. I wasn't doing well, but I got my dad's help. I wanted to get good grades because I thought about my future—I can use Spanish to talk to my family, which is important because now I can have conversations with them.
Question 3: I had a girlfriend, and before her I was quiet. She broke me out of my shell, made me more confident. My friends, the Wojtus brothers, made me feel like one of their brothers. They became my best friends and broke me out of my shell, too. I started talking to more people. It feels good, but I wish I didn't waste so much time in my shell.
Question 1: Through my time in high school, the most valuable lessons I had to experience was choosing who you hang around wisely; procrastination was my biggest lesson I would say.
Question 2: Talking to peers helped me a lot to get back on track with grades, as well as focusing on my work more. I would say some friends were a big support system. Due to them, they helped me get through hard times while being in school, lit up my mood if I felt down, woke me up if I was feeling tired, and always tried to motivate me to get my things done.
Question 3: I would say my friend Luis. He has been my friend since 4th grade. We've always had each other's backs, making sure we both are on the right path to be successful. Also, my friend Bri. She helped me a lot through high school, getting me to focus on my work, letting me talk about personal issues with her to get a better understanding of myself, or a different perspective if you would want to say. All my friends shaped a positive high school experience for me.
Question 1: Not to let people get under my skin.
Question 2: Having people I can rely on to help guide me through better things.
Question 3: NO! I don’t get myself into those types of things. I don’t desire to.
Question 1: My friendship with people like Lee and Olivia have helped me to be more motivated in my work and classes, and helped me put more effort into my work. They made it easier for me to be successful, and feel like I belong.
Question 2: Definitely my family, friends, and the people around me. They are my best support system, and they help me through my struggles.
Question 3: Some valuable life lessons I've learned are how to work with people you don't necessarily like, how to manage deadlines and timeframes, and how to make do with what you have.
Question 1: I learned to persevere through life struggles and seek help when needed through my family and friends.
Question 2: My biggest support system throughout high school was my friends and family. They showed me that I could get through the struggles that have set me back or slowed me down.
Question 3: A friendship that I made that has shaped my overall experience… I won't name any names, but she has helped me through many things–especially with life problems–and helped me to get back on track when I was going in the wrong direction.
Question 1: I learned how to watch who you bring into your circle, and don't depend on anyone.
Question 2: My biggest support was myself, Nikkia, and Keke—always keeping me motivated.
Question 3: No comment.
Question 1: Everybody ain’t your friend.
Question 2: My biggest support system was a special friend of mine.
Question 3: No comment.
Question 1: I think the most valuable life lesson I learned is not to trust anybody too quickly. High school really taught me that I really need to watch who I talk to because befriending the wrong people and trusting them too quickly can lead to unnecessary drama. Another valuable life lesson for me was to not give up even when you feel like a failure. It’s cliché, but it’s real. I really went through ups and downs this year. And at one point I felt like such a failure, but Mrs. Venitosh reminded me that this is just a little bump we have to surpass and things will get better.
Question 2: Honestly, the counselors. They have been there for me since I was a freshman and sophomore. I just really needed an outlet to express all my emotions and just get some guidance, so I turned to Mr. Weisel and Ms. Venitosh. They were both my biggest support system and who helped me through the challenging times in high school.
Question 3: I met my best friend for life here. Surprising, but my best friend, Fahad, and I get along so well. We met my sophomore and his senior year as we were the only two Pakistanis in the school. From then, on we built such a strong friendship and he’s genuinely my #1.
Question 1: Time management is is a huge thing. If you say you are going to get something done later, it's a lie. Get it done now! And connections are important. Take all opportunities and don't be afraid to ask for help or something you want. Oh, and don't take on more than you can. It's OK to say "No."
Question 2: Saying "This will be over soon" really helped me get through things. That and rewarding myself, like with shopping. Retail therapy is my support system. Also, you have to allow yourself to cry. Record yourself crying during a hard time, then look back and laugh. Realize it wasn't that bad.
Question 3: Freshman year, I was remote and had one friend. I was very reserved. Sophomore year, I spoke to no one. I'd go to classes, then go home, and that was it. Junior year, I became more involved and started speaking to more people. In senior year, I found more opportunities to get involved in things and friends in and out of school.
Question 1: I learned to not immediately trust everyone you meet right off the bat. You never know what someone's true intentions are.
Question 2: I was always my biggest support system for a long time. I could really only depend on myself, but now that I have my friend group, [my support system] has become my friends.
Question 3: I've become a lot closer with my friend group over the last year. And developing these relationships has made it so much harder to leave. I always spent high school counting down the days until the end and being okay with leaving, but having friends has made it so much harder to accept leaving.
Question 1: The most valuable life lesson I've learned was how to communicate properly and how to manage relationships with friends and others.
Question 2: What really helped me get through my challenges in high school was having a support system in the school and with my family.
Question 3: No comment.
Question 1: Friends helped change me to be more social.
Question 2: Close friends and family helped me academically. My family was there to talk to and help me mentally.
Question 3: I have a friend that I see like a brother. He saw me through all of the emotions and helped guide me through high school by making me laugh with dumb jokes and making days brighter.
Question 1: I learned to be more open to people. Don't be closed minded. Make friends.
Question 2: Freshmen year, I was online. I didn't make friends, and I was new to the area. What helped me get through it was imagining the finish line—senior year.
Question 3: Mr. Khawaja and Mr. Brown helped me be more open. They helped me say what's on my mind. They helped me have more self awareness.
Question 1: Don't procrastinate on the stuff that needs to be done.
Question 2: My biggest support system was Ms. Jahne and Mr. C.
Question 3: Just having connections with people.
