THE VIBE

Class of 2021 Reflections

BY VALLEY VIBE STAFF WRITERS info@valleyvibenews.com

It’s been a year unlike any other for the class of 2021. And while it may not have been the senior year these students envisioned at the beginning of their high school journey four years ago, they’ve learned more about flexibility,

adaptability and resiliency than they ever could have imagined possible.

Valley Vibe asked some of our area seniors to reflect on the difficulties during the past year and how dealing with so many

unknowns has helped prepare them for their next chapter.

Their responses have been compiled with assistance from area school administrators, who helped circulate our questionnaire.

QUINCI BECKY

Anthem Preparatory Academy Hardest part of senior year...

The whole year has been one big challenge. The thing that I found the hardest was the possibility of my last basketball season being canceled. I love my team like they are my family, so the idea of us not having a senior season together was devastating. Biggest lesson learned...

I think all these changes have prepared me for just about anything. It reminded me to always be grateful and enjoy the present because everything can change so fast. Now I think I will be more prepared for any big changes that come my way, for they will seem so little as compared to this past year. After graduation...

I’m going to Montana Tech and getting my degree in radiology technology. KADEN GRUB

Caurus Academy Hardest part of senior year...

I had to quarantine three times during the worst part of the pandemic. This made me struggle in everything I do on the daily. Learning how to do a math problem or learning anything else online was the most difficult. Biggest lesson learned...

These changes made me a better person because this showed me who I want to be. Senior year, being able to get more things done myself made me prepare for the next chapter. You have to be thankful for anything that you get, because you don’t know what will happen in this world. After graduation...

I am committed to Seattle Pacific University. I will be continuing my academic career and also my athletic career on the soccer team. My goal is to become a semi-pro or pro soccer player.

HOLLY SHEPHERD

Barry Goldwater High School Hardest part of senior year...

Finding motivation. I am an International Baccalaureate student with a lot of challenging and rigorous work as well as exams at the end of the year based on two years of learning in each class. Going online was really challenging with the high intensity of my classes. Being home all the time made it very difficult to get work done. Biggest lesson learned...

I have learned that anything really can happen/change and to learn to adapt to any situation is extremely beneficial for my future. I was homeschooled until 7th grade. Going from public school back to online was not at all like being homeschooled and that was a huge change I needed to overcome. It has helped me reflect on what I truly care about, like helping others. I wanted to give back to those in need. My cousin and I started a non-profit organization called Baskets of Joy where we go out and give basic necessities to the homeless. After graduation...

I will be attending Grand Canyon University to study psychology. I will finish college with a bachelor of science in behavioral health science degree and then go to a physicians assistant school to become a mental health physicians assistant.