With summer around the corner and the school year closing in, it’s time for the seniors at Auburn Riverside High School to move onto bigger and harder things. Facing new problems in adulthood, senior Brianna Valdez reflects on her days at Riverside before she starts to think ahead.
Valdez will miss the daily school routine, reading, and notetaking in class. She found the many assemblies the school held very interesting and fun to attend and watch.
“It was always fun and interesting to see what they would make up for each one.”
Recalling her high school years, Valdez believes she has done well for herself, but not without struggles.
“Grade-wise I did well but socially, I wish I was better at it but I’m glad where I ended.”
Valdez loves her teachers, but one of them has stood out to her. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) teacher Dawn Carlo was always there for Valdez to make sure she was okay and comforted during her hard days. To Valdez, Carlo was like her own emotional therapist.
“Her classroom felt like a breather during school.”
To start off her summer vacation, Valdez plans to take a break from school to work in order to save for college. She also has hopes for a future apartment before college and will save enough money for that.
When the next school year rolls around, Valdez wants to attend Green River College to start off, then will transfer to a four-year college where she will be taking classes for nursing.
Due to the possibility of a roadblock in her pursuit in the nursing field, Valdez puts together a plan B.
“My backup will be going into real estate because I have a partner to work with. If I do go into it, I know I would enjoy working in that industry with them and others.”
Knowing the hundreds to thousands of possibilities that could happen, Valdez is scared about what her future holds for her.
“Honestly, anything could happen, and something could change that will change my plans, so with that thought it makes me nervous.”
Though the tension is high, Valdez still holds her faith and puts herself in order, using her promises and standards she holds herself to as courage. This ensures she is “able to be proud of the life I’m making for myself.”
Valdez also eases her mind by doing activities she is passionate about, including reading and listening to music.
“It’s enjoyable because it helps me focus on something else when things are going on and always helps me relax.”
Valdez advises future students to plan for their future.
“Figure out what you want to do so you don’t stress about it at the last minute.”
She also shares her advice to future freshmen to help allay their concerns as they move on to high school.
“Even though things are rough, all the hard work will be worth it in the end.”
