One might wonder as the seniors of South El Monte High School are on the edge of their seats for graduation, what was their high school experience like? What are some of the things that helped them get where they are right now? Being a high school senior is a mix of excitement and stress as they are super busy juggling exams, college applications, and keeping up with grades. Plus, they’re trying to enjoy their last year at South El Monte High School and figure out what they want to do after high school. I’m diving into what it is like to be a senior, from the pressure we face to the big moments that will make it all worth it. So, what is on the minds of the South El Monte class of 2025 students as they prepare to fly out of the nest into the big world?

Homecoming queen Alexis Rodriguez is a senior and is one of South El Monte High School well known students. “I think other people think that I’m a mean person or stuck up and I’ve gotten comments from other people that I think I own the school.” She goes on to say, “I do get that I have a very sharp face and I tend to give people dirty looks but I swear I don’t and when you get to know me I’m a funny, athletic, and outgoing person around people that I’m comfortable with.” She is in both Softball and Flag football teams and says her parents helped her become who she is today. “I really think my mom helped me become who I am today because she is someone who supports me and I look up to her.”

The people who have helped her shape her into who she is today have had a huge impact on her life. Now, she’s ready to take all that support and guidance into her plans. After High school, she plans to go to college to study criminal justice and further her softball career. With those exciting plans for after high school, there’s a teacher who has made a significant impact on her life. “I feel like there are quite a few teachers who helped me, but one who stands out to me is Mr. Gonzales, because flag football was picked up by him as a coach, and I went to him my junior year when everything was going on, he was someone who I told everything to and I was able to kind of vent to him whether that was on or off the field.” She says, “On the field he made it to where I was distracted and wouldn’t pay attention to the things off the field. When I was off the field I was able to talk about the things that I needed to get out to better myself.”

On her own, she’s found a great way to manage her stress during her senior year. “I tend to procrastinate a lot and I tell myself I’ll do it later on, but in reality it’s either I play softball or I’m playing flag football, and while I’m on the field I end up relieving myself there, it’s kind of like a sanctuary to me.” Over time she’s also noticed how some of her friendships have changed. Some friends have grown apart while others become closer. “I’m really glad I gained the friendships I have right now because they’re friends that also go through the student-athlete life so they understand my schedule and know it’s a struggle having to maintain friends, school, sports, and overall your regular life.”

Looking back, she wishes she had been more open, confident, and not so worried about what other people thought about her. It’s all a part of growing up and learning from our experiences. Embracing who you are and being confident in your own skin regardless of how other people view you. I asked Alexis what advice she would give to her freshman self and she went on to tell me, “You know your true self so don’t give up and reach for the stars.”

Amabilia Perez is a senior at South El Monte High School she came from Dean L. Shively Middle School and is now president of the Gardening Club. Amabilia says, “I’m the president of the gardening club and I love it. I love plants and nature in general. I think it’s relaxing, our club advisor Ms Ceja is gonna give us a tree to be able to plant in the school and teach us more about nature and wildlife.” She also added, “My senior year so far is pretty awesome. I also absolutely love my subjects and I love how this year is going, it’s going by too fast which is scary but for the most part, I think it’s going pretty good.”

One big thing coming up later on in the school year is the senior prom which is the ultimate High school dance. “I’m really excited for prom because I’m going to be with my friends and see everyone’s cute outfits and just have a good time”, says Amabilia. It’s a night where everyone comes together to have fun and celebrate the end of the school year. Plus, the crowning of the prom king and queen, just adds to the excitement. It’s one of those events you’ll remember forever, especially since it’s one of the last big moments before graduation. Prom is super exciting, but senior year can get pretty stressful with everything going on.

“For me managing my stress senior year most definitely has to be writing, to be specific in what type of writing I like is poetry. But I love writing and it really helps with my stress and it helps me express how I feel and helps me communicate more with my feelings.” Amabilia goes on to say “My junior English teacher Ms Lei who unfortunately doesn’t work at South anymore is the main person who got me into writing and has encouraged me more into reading and she never made me feel less than I am. She always encouraged me and lifted me up to always do my best and I’m grateful for her.”

“Something I wish I did differently was to take things more seriously and put effort into things. So, some advice I would give to my freshman self is to do things at your own pace and not feel pressured or insecure that your work is not gonna be good or that you have to put yourself at high standards because everyone works at their own pace and everyone does well at a subject that another person can’t. Everyone has their talents where they can excel well in one thing or the other.” To wrap it up, senior year is a mix of looking back and getting excited for what’s ahead. Like Amabilia says, “High school goes by faster than you think, so make the most of it while you can!” It’s clear that high school is full of awesome memories and important lessons.