7 minute read
San Diego Family Honors the Senior Class of 2020
It’s no secret that the Class of 2020 has been short-changed, so we gave local high school seniors an opportunity to voice their feelings, share what they’ve been doing in quarantine, and what’s next. Many kids expressed disappointment in the cancelation of prom, grad night, graduation, spring sports and other senior trips and events. Some expressed profound sadness that they won’t make any more memories with friends before going to college. They also shared surprising benefits, such as extra family time, sleeping in and gaining new perspective. Here are their words. Please help us congratulate this unique class!
Abbey Frame Rancho Buena Vista High School, Vista Plans to attend UC Berkeley to play field hockey and study public health to become a physician assistant. “It’s been difficult not being able to train with my coach. I do sprints, workouts and practice skills on my own, but it’s hard to push myself to the same level when there isn’t someone there reminding me to stay focused and critiquing my drills. I love being part of a team, so being separated from my ‘tribe’ for the first time in my life has left me feeling out of sorts at times. There’s a lot of stress not knowing if there will even be a field hockey season at UC Berkeley next year.” [On the positive side]: “I took up sewing and have made some really cute shirts! My sister even asked me to make some for her. I never had time to watch YouTube videos and learn a new craft until now. I also painted my bathroom and went through all my old clothes.”
Ariana White Pacific Ridge School, Carlsbad Plans to attend Harvard University to study Economics and Applied Mathematics. “I’m in the best shape of my life right now. I work out, run and stretch every day. In terms of school, I’m really grasping this new way of learning. I also spend time reading, cleaning, organizing, communicating via Zoom and baking new recipes. And my family has game night every night!”
Want to be connected to San Diego's parenting community? Sign up to receive weekly tips, ideas and events at https://www.sandiegofamily.com/things-to-do
Dayen Joyce Westview High School Rancho Peñasquitos Plans to attend MiraCosta College and play rugby for the San Diego Legion Academy, then transfer to a four-year university. “My relationship with my mother has gotten very strong. And I have learned many ways to take care of myself, such as intense workouts and training, which have helped me gain focus.”
Cecilia Bacich Cathedral Catholic High School, Carmel Valley Plans to attend UC San Diego to study Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. “Quarantine has done an incredible job of showing me all the ‘normal’ experiences and people I take for granted! I have a new appreciation for basic human interaction, have been exploring San Diego in new and creative ways, and have been intentionally spending quality time with my family, which is not always possible during the normal school year. I realize that I have been presented with a unique opportunity, to face this period of my life with resilience— focusing on my blessings rather than my difficulty.”
Juliana Harris Escondido Charter High School Plans to attend Palomar College to complete General Education and transfer to Cal State San Marcos. “I have raised my grades since being quarantined, taken an interest in cooking and my room has never been cleaner. I also do dance classes virtually. My friends and I are going to Disneyland as soon as they open to make up for grad night. We will get the graduation Mickey ears.”
Jessica Clay Westview High School, Rancho Peñasquitos Plans to attend a four-year university outside of San Diego to study Marine Science and Business. “The most challenging thing about quarantine has been not having my same routine. I was constantly busy [before] with the chaos of life, which I liked. The best thing is that I have been working a lot and making money. I had my 18th birthday in quarantine and was upset at first, but my friends made it one of my favorite birthdays.”
Patricia Oros Ramona High School “I stay connected with friends through FaceTime and the drivethru where I work. I’ve also been working out and working on my mental health.”
Kailey Deegan Steele Canyon High School, Spring Valley Plans to attend Grossmont College and become a cardiovascular technician. “I have stayed connected to friends by texting, calling, FaceTiming and hanging out with them. I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me and my future. I know that I can get through this with people by my side. I definitely couldn’t do this on my own.”
Carlo Bollas Mar Vista High School, Imperial Beach Plans to attend SDSU to study Civil Engineering; then pursue a Master’s in Architecture at Cal Poly SLO. “I have learned to appreciate time with my friends and being able to go outside. I will never take those things for granted again. During quarantine my friends and I created our own Zoom dance classes and we’ve studied for AP exams together on FaceTime.”
Brianna Floyd Rancho Bernardo High School Plans to attend University of San Diego to study International Business and Spanish. “It’s been hard missing out on all the fun senior activities. We built a robot for the FIRST Robotics Competition, and only got to compete once because the second competition was cancelled. I made it onto Varsity swim this year, but only had one swim meet before school and sports were cancelled.”
Mary Elizabeth Gopp Mt. Carmel High School Rancho Peñasquitos Plans to attend community college first, transfer to SDSU to major in Criminology and Forensics; then join the Air Force after college. “The most challenging thing is dealing with the cancellation of many ‘lasts’, such as championships, banquets (color guard) and even graduation. But one unexpected positive aspect is that my brother came home from college early!”
Jade Hendrix Serra High School, Tierrasanta Plans to attend Colorado State University and become a veterinarian. “I have been able to do stuff [in quarantine] that I never had time for, like hang out, love on my dogs more, catch up on shows, read books, and spend more time with my mom. Even through this tough time, my mom and I always find something to laugh about to help motivate us. Everyone in the Class of 2020 will have a story to tell their kids—how hard it was, but the lessons we learned. Even though it’s sad, there is always something good to make out of a bad situation.”
Miguel Felipe Diaz Ramona High School Plans to attend Palomar College and become an EMT and firefighter. “The fact that I will never again walk the halls of the high school I love or see my teachers, friends and school staff again is heartbreaking! I feel like this pandemic has robbed me of the best times of my young life.”
Carmen Murray San Diego School of Creative & Performing Arts, Paradise Hills Plans to attend NYU, major in Jazz Studies and become a professional musician. “I do well with structure, so it’s been a challenge to remain motivated without anything to look forward to or a consistent daily routine. All the musical events that I was looking forward to have been canceled, which is a huge disappointment. But I’ve been participating in quite a few virtual ensembles with friends from around the country, and those collaborations have kept me in touch with everyone.”
Summer Chalmers Mar Vista High School Imperial Beach Plans to attend San Diego State University to study Mechanical Engineering. “The most challenging thing about quarantine has been adjusting to new circumstances—completing schoolwork and teaching myself how to understand and visualize concepts. I stay in touch with my friends through social media. One of my friends and I take beach cruises together, but in our own cars.”
Jacob Schuler Mission Vista H.S., Oceanside Plans to attend UC Irvine, major in Biological Sciences and become a heart or brain surgeon. “Honestly, I want nothing more than to graduate with my class and walk across the stage to receive my diploma. But I plan to get together with my friends, hang out, reminisce and [talk about] what is waiting for us in the future. I know I have a long road ahead of me. My parents taught me that you sacrifice today for gains tomorrow. Hard work, focus and perseverance always lead to great things. I cannot wait!” v
