In elementary school I based my idea of high school off the movie High School Musical. I actually thought I would get to have a pink locker like the character Sharpay Evans. I also thought all we would do is sing and be friends.
Well, let’s just say I had a rough reality check once I did get to high school. I mean I did get a locker, though it was black and stuffed with dirty gym shoes. Anyways, I always thought I was a pretty decent student so how hard could high school be right?
Okay maybe it wasn’t that hard. I decided to participate in two sports my freshman year, tennis and track. Now that I look back on things, I should have given myself a break and time to settle into a new environment. I don’t regret my choices though because I made really great memories. On the downside I did struggle in math from missing out on matches or meets. My freshman math teacher Mr. Terran had the patience of a saint. No matter the grade, or progress status I sat at, he treated me just as equal to the smartest student. This really stuck with me because he didn’t let a grade define me. He saw that I needed that extra push and did everything he could. I honestly did get comments from peers such as “but you had a low grade,” but I took accountability and I didn’t care. I wasn’t his star student obviously, but the patience and care he demonstrated was all I needed. Thank you, Mr. Terran.
My sophomore year, I had a grasp of what my expectations were for high school. I took summer school this same summer for math, and I was determined to reach higher this year. Nothing that interesting took place this year honestly, though I was awarded 2024 Varsity Most Valuable Distance Runner. Although I did not do track my senior year, sophomore year was definitely my prime for running. I had the most motivation and confidence this year. Though due to certain circumstances I decided junior year I needed better. A time or number didn’t define me as some race horse. The quality of being in that sport needed some refinement, and I needed to focus on myself mentally. Some can tell me that I “missed out” or that I am a “quitter,” but honestly I’m happier and that’s all that matters.
Coming in strong was junior year. This was where I was going to set the bar for senior year. I thought that this year was stressful. Little did I know the next year would be a lot more. In my junior year, I enjoyed my Career with Children class. I knew not one person in that class but I had a friend on my own. I was really proud of myself for that because of how quiet I am towards new people. Ms. Polanco, who taught this class, was the nicest lady as well.
I’d also like to recognize my counselor Ms. Anguiano for being very helpful. I could say I was in her office pretty often whether I had a question or if it was about a class. Okay this isn’t funny, but it also is because one time I was so scared to talk to my math teacher about my grade I started tearing up with so much anxiety. I remember her quickly comforting me and offering to speak to my teacher instead. Now looking back on this, it was kind of dramatic, but I have always been one to be concerned or anxious to have so much as a C in a class. I was raised to always achieve the highest grades, but also do my best. I felt that bringing home a low grade would make me less than or disappoint everybody at home. Thank you, Ms. Anguiano, for helping me through the times I really needed it.
As I stepped into my final year of high school as a senior I felt a mix of emotions. I was sad that I would no longer be a high school girl, but happy that I can start fresh and be free of a dress code. To begin with in August I made the best decision of becoming a TA for Ms. Garcia. I felt intimidated in a way, since ASB did a lot…like a lot. Being in class with Ms. Garcia feels like having a big sister or just another friend. She gave the best advice, she is very understanding, and gifted me stuff just because, all while balancing the job of being the activities director. Saving the best for last, Mr. Castle did the best job as a teacher. I know I have said it many times but he really did leave an everlasting memory for my high school years. From freshman year to senior year I have learned so much from his class. I took English 1 Honors, AP Language and Composition, and now Journalism with Mr. Castle. He believed in me more than I did at times. Mr. Castle wasn’t just some serious or ordinary teacher. I can guarantee most of his students are very fond of him and he will be an unforgettable teacher for a lot of us. I truly felt cared for, important, and welcome in his classes. My best memory had to be his dedication overall to his students, and down to the quiet moments where I typed stories in silence as he played background music for the class. Thank you, Mr. Castle. You will be missed by many.
As I depart campus at the end of this school year, I will cherish all my lessons and memories made at SHS. Starting in the fall, I will start a new chapter as a freshman at Fresno Pacific University. I plan to major in Liberal Studies and become an elementary school teacher. I have dreamed of becoming a teacher since I was in kindergarten. If you are an educator, I hope you know that the little things do matter and stick with us students. After having many teachers over the years, it has helped me to officiate my goal of becoming a teacher.
I guess I never got my Sharpay Evans moment where I wore pink and sang my last finale, but I can settle for this ending as well. Thank you Selma High for everything, and on I go into the real world to achieve my dreams.
