As students at Freedom High School approach the different milestones in their high school journey, seniors are focused on the future, while freshmen are still adjusting to high school life. This contrast highlights the differing experiences and aspirations of students at both ends of their high school careers.
Jermaine Hankerson, a senior, shares his thoughts on what he wants to do after graduation.
“I’m definitely looking forward to a break after graduation. I’ve been in school for so long, and I think it’ll be nice to take some time off to just relax. I want to travel a little, maybe go to places I’ve never been, and just enjoy life without worrying about assignments for a while,” Hankerson says.
Erik Mancheno, another senior, is also thinking about life beyond school, especially in terms of personal freedom.
“I’m looking forward to having more freedom after graduation. I want to experience more of the world before getting into something like college. Maybe I’ll take a year off to work and travel or just focus on figuring out what I really want to do with my life. It’s exciting but also a little scary,” Mancheno says.
Julio De la Cruz, a senior, is thinking about his next steps in terms of career.
“I’m planning to start working right after graduation. I want to save up some money before I go to college, or maybe just figure out what I really want to do in terms of a career. I feel like it’s important to get some real-life experience before jumping into more school,” De la Cruz says.
On the other hand, freshmen are still figuring out what their high school experience will look like and are less focused on their post-graduation plans. Josue Cadalso, a freshman, admits that thinking about the future is a bit overwhelming right now.
“I don’t really think about what happens after high school yet. I’m just trying to make it through this year and figure out how to handle all the work. I’m sure I’ll think about college and stuff later, but right now I’m just trying to focus on getting through freshman year,” Cadalso says.
Owen Paulino, another freshman, shares a similar perspective, saying that his focus is on the present rather than the future.
“I’m not really thinking about life after high school yet. Right now, I’m just trying to get used to everything, like balancing schoolwork and getting involved with things like sports. Maybe later on, I’ll start thinking about what I want to do, but for now, I’m just taking it one step at a time,” Paulino says.
Seniors, however, are already making decisions about what comes next, especially when it comes to education. Julio De la Cruz is feeling ready for the next phase of his academic journey.
“I’ve already been accepted to a few colleges, and I’m just excited to start. I feel like it’s time to move on to the next challenge. It’s a big change, but I’m ready to take it on. I want to get started and figure out what I want to study,” De la Cruz says.
Seniors are also making an effort to spend as much time as they can with their friends before everyone goes their separate ways. Erik Mancheno talks about the importance of those last moments together.
“I think the thing I’m looking forward to most is spending time with my friends. We’ve all been through so much together, and it’s hard to believe that after graduation, we might be in different places. I want to enjoy every moment with them while I can, because once we graduate, things are going to change,” Mancheno says.
Jermaine Hankerson also values the time he has left with his friends at Freedom High School.
“We’ve all been through a lot together over the years, and it’s going to be weird not seeing everyone every day. I want to make as many memories as I can before graduation. I think it’s important to cherish these last few months with my friends,” Hankerson says.
When it comes to independence, seniors are already looking forward to living life on their own. Julio De la Cruz shares his excitement about what’s to come.
“I’m definitely ready to live on my own. I feel like I’ve been living by someone else’s rules for so long, and I’m looking forward to making my own decisions. It’s a little nerve-wracking, but also really exciting. I think it’ll be a big change, but I’m ready for it,” De la Cruz says.
For freshmen like Owen Paulino, the idea of independence still feels distant.
“I’m still figuring out how to stay on top of schoolwork and all the other stuff that comes with high school. Independence feels like something that’s far away. I know it’s coming eventually, but right now, I’m just focused on getting through the day,” Paulino says.
The differences in perspective between seniors and freshmen at Freedom High School are clear. While seniors are already making plans for life after graduation, freshmen are focused on adjusting to high school and figuring out who they are. Each group’s priorities reflect their stage in high school, with seniors looking forward to new beginnings and freshmen just starting their high school journey.
