The end of the year means the beginning of a new start for all seniors, but I want to rewind to the beginning of this school year. We had been told by many of our teachers and mentors to begin preparing for the college application season. Though we are taught that we should be thinking about college throughout our freshman and junior years, we never really get a chance to fully focus on it.

It was during the summer where we found out our schedules and read names like Mr. Duran and Mr. Meza for college and career classes. Little did we know these classes would be the foundation of our journey to acceptances into certain colleges. 

Throughout the year we were also met with check-ins from staff like Ms. Villa, Mrs. Meza, and Mr. Gutierrez. These small meetings, whether quick conversations or appointments, helped us solidify ideas we have for college. They helped ensure that we as students were confident and able to complete senior year and transition to college smoothly.

Found below are quotes left by seniors for these staff members:

• “Mr. Gutierrez was very supportive in helping me finish my FAFSA, and when I was doubting being able to complete it he guided me throughout the process” – Kevin M.
• “Mrs. Meza explained and taught me many things about college, she also felt like a friend who I can come to about my curiosities with college.” – Jesus V. 
• “Mrs. Villa has helped me transition into an area where I’m am confident to complete my full degree at El Camino after already completing credits” – Nabila H.
• “I am so grateful that Mrs. Villa helped me navigate the process of applying to different colleges and learning things about them.” – Jean N.

Mr. Duran was not only prepared to help us seniors apply and get into colleges and universities, he was also motivated to make sure we were prepared for the end of the year and our entrance into the real world. He helped us understand and reminded us that the future was exciting and not something to fear. Throughout this process, he never failed to instill confidence and excitement in his students for the reality of what was ahead. 

Found below are quotes left by seniors for Mr. Duran

• “Mr. Duran was so much more than a college and career teacher to me; he was my Coach, my friend, and my family.” – Jesus V.
• “Mr. Duran was infinitely supportive of my decision to join the Navy and I’m grateful there was always someone in my corner”- Anthony M.

Asking about Mr. Meza’s class, I found that many of his students were full of confidence from the beginning, starting in early Fall. And they were right to feel confident, according to the testaments of his students:

• “Mr. Meza helped me fill out my EOP application and made sure I turned it in on time and made sure my answers set me up for success.” – Kevin M. 
• “Mr. Meza was very helpful in my College and Career class and helped me get into UCSC.”- Miguel G.

So as mentioned by my fellow Aviators, the work that happens behind the scenes doesn’t go unnoticed and we are eternally grateful for the amount of work and time that was put into helping us. So from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for everything.