Leslie Cifuentes

Question: Are you looking forward to college after four years at HMSA? 

I am definitely looking forward to attending college after four years at HMSA; it’s what I came here for! Because HMSA can’t show me everything to expect in college, I’m very nervous about what the next approximately four years are going to be like. That nervousness then turns into excitement because then I think: How boring would it be to go into college having every detail spelled out in front of me? The good thing is, I know I won’t be a deer caught in headlights because I know the fundamentals thanks to HMSA. But I’m ready to experience what HMSA hasn’t taught me. Overall, I’m nervous, but 100% ready for anything.

Future Major: English

Background story as a freshman at HMSA:

This is so great, I love reminiscing! Looking back, freshman Leslie was a nervous wreck at first. I was so scared of making mistakes that I ended up making tons of them. You should know that I’m naturally very clumsy so when my nerves and clumsiness come together, it isn’t pretty. Once, I remember tripping down the stairs while I was frantically coming down from Ms. Kang’s homeroom because I was terrified I’d be late to English class. The worst part about that was Ms. Ramos walked by as soon as I tripped and she burst out laughing and kept walking; I was mortified. But I took everything a day at a time and as soon as I saw that there was nothing to be scared of, freshman year wasn’t so bad. I also had a solid group of friends who I’m so happy I met that year since they’re a big part of the reason why I got through ninth grade so much more smoothly. As soon as I pulled myself together and quit tripping over myself (literally), I found that year quite enjoyable. It was truly challenging at first, but everyone adapts to different environments and that year, so did I.