ON HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATION

Story by Noor Baber, Clarissa Zuo and Reya Mehta

People often talk about how amazing of an experience high school is: the nostalgia, incredible memories and lifelong friendships. Media often portrays high school and teenage years as a sensationalized frenzy of parties, crazy adventures and dramatic, transformative experiences.

Many of us definitely had some lofty expectations about where we would be once we left high school. That we would have some idea of what we wanted to pursue after four years, and move smoothly from childhood and the familiarity of our social bubbles into the “real world.” High school, as we are conditioned to think, comprises some of the best years of our lives — a time of unforgettable memories with friends, new experiences and the simultaneous burdens and freedoms of growing up.

Looking back on the last four years, it’s safe to say that our high school years didn’t go exactly as planned — the word “unprecedented” comes to mind, but we’ve heard that term enough in recent times.

Right from the beginning, freshman year was off to a rough start. Fall semester was marred by natural disasters and major fires that forced shutdowns and evacuations. The trauma and pain in the aftermath of the shooting at Saugus High School burned into our collective memory, becoming something our small community will never forget.

Of course, the next chapter of high school was completely overshadowed by the pandemic — a year-and-a-half of distance-learning, followed by a tumultuous semester of returning to in-person classes. As we return to some semblance of normalcy, it’s easier to make memories and treasure unforgettable moments — rallies and sports games, club events and activities and fun times with friends.

As seniors, we can see the good amidst the bad. It’s simpler to realize that high school is nothing more than what you make of it, and no single experience is identical. But that begs the question I know many of us will be asking ourselves when we walk down the stage to accept our diplomas: Did I do enough?

Did I join enough clubs, did I talk to enough people, did I make enough friends? Did I leave an impact?

“In high school, I was involved in ASB — specifically the rallies commission,” said Gabrielle Ottaviano, a soon-tobe graduate. “I think it was impactful because of how fun it was. I probably put many hours into ASB a week, and I formed a lot of relationships that I know will be long lasting.”

Senior Veronika Pirog said, “I was involved in speech and debate, and the general activity of studying like my life depended on it.”

The customizability of our high school experiences created lots of important memories and lessons we can take away.

“West Ranch was always such a fun experience,” Ottaviano expressed. “I think getting involved made it the best because I was able to feel a part of something, and create friendships.”

High school is the ideal place to form strong, lifelong bonds for many students. Much larger than elementary or junior high, it’s the place where you can grow the most and discover who you are, and what you like.

Late-night FaceTime study sessions were Pirog’s favorite way of forming relationships through academia. “I heard the smartest AP students say the dumbest things,” she added.

One of the most critical parts of the high school experience is, of course, academics and extracurriculars. From the moment we entered high school, we were often told the importance of staying involved — finding a niche of extracurriculars and classes, and growing in those subjects over the years.

Ottaviano explained how her primary extracurricular changed her high school experience for the better: “I formed a lot of relationships that I know will be long lasting, and I am forever grateful for the amazing friendships ASB has given me.”

Pirog, who competed in Lincoln-Douglas debate, expressed that she participated in the activity for “too many [hours] to count.” Her resulting increase in confidence is something that will stick with her forever.

West Ranch math teacher Mrs. Brosche is the advisor of several clubs on campus. “Each of the clubs are special because they bring together people of common interests and goals,” she said. “It’s so much fun to see students be involved in things and shine when they get to do things they are passionate about.”

As we approach graduation, it’s hard not to feel a bit terrified of everything that’s to come. For those of us who are headed off to college and/or will soon join the workforce, we may feel a combination of exhilaration and trepidation.

“I believe that we do an excellent job at West Ranch at preparing students for many options in students’ futures,” said Mrs. Brosche. “Being involved in activities of interest can especially help students find their passions, learn how to navigate the professional world and get that release from the stresses of academics — plus, surrounding themselves with others of similar interests helps them to hone those interests and skills that will be needed in their future.”

But high school participation is, ultimately, up to the student.

“Take the class that’s not an easy-A and grow, seek help when needed, find a club, sport or activity to be deeply involved in, make an effort in creating lasting relationships, learn how to maintain your physical and mental health, etcetera,” Mrs. Brosche listed.

The past four years have had their unique ups and downs, and it hasn’t exactly been easy. We’ve gone through many difficult times — a once-in-a-century pandemic, a shooting in our own Santa Clarita Valley and the confusion of distance learning.

But there are also many invaluable memories and lessons we can take away from our experiences. In the end, high school is a time to learn. Yes, it is a time to have triumphs and celebrate successes, but it is also a time to make mistakes. It is a time to grow, and to learn more about yourself. It is a time to try new things, and to be unafraid of stepping outside of your comfort zone. The resources we use and teachers we have are there to support us and guide us on our journey. What we choose to do in these four years will shape our experiences in university and onward. It equips us with the tools we’ll need to forge our own success. What matters most is how we use these tools to help us in the future.

Seniors, we know it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or apprehensive about the future. In just a few months, we’ll be heading off to college or into the workforce — a significant first step into the realm of adulthood. We’re not the same people we were when we started high school, and each of us has experienced our own setbacks and growth.

Reflecting on the value of her extracurricular participation,Senior Erin Ha said, “I do think that high school prepared me for higher education and work, but not because of anything that anyone else did. I feel like it was definitely like an independent learning thing.”

In the end, it is so important to take the experiences we’ve had beyond the gates of West Ranch and incorporate them into our future education and careers. High school is entirely what we make of it, and it’s time to use the lessons we’ve learned in the next step in our lives.

Class of 2023, it’s been a long journey, but together, we made it to graduation. Now is the time to celebrate your accomplishments, and reflect on your experiences. We wish you all the best of luck, and we’re so excited to see what comes next!