Graduation: One Step Closer

I remember when I was in kindergarten my best friend Lesly and I used to fight a lot over colored pencils. I can’t remember much about 4th grade except that we were always together playing around, learning new songs and simply worrying about what the next day would bring. Now, in 8th grade, we’re planning on graduating together so that we can go to the same high school. Many 8th grade students are nervous about walking on the stage, but that’s only a small part of the mixed feelings that we are all experiencing—leaving our elementary school and moving on to high school. I’m really excited and nervous about high school, so I decided to ask other students in the neighborhood about how they feel about graduation and their goals after the big day.

Recuerdo cuando apenas estaba en kínder, mi mejor amiga Lesly y yo nos peleábamos mucho por los lápices de colorear. No recuerdo mucho de cuando estaba en 4º grado excepto que siempre estábamos juntas jugando, aprendiendo canciones nuevas y simplemente preocupándonos por lo que sucedería al día siguiente. Ahora que estamos en 8º grado, planeamos graduarnos juntas para poder ir a la misma secundaria. Muchos alumnos de 8º grado están nerviosos de caminar sobre el escenario, pero eso es sólo una pequeña parte de los sentimientos encontrados por los que todos pasamos—dejar nuestras primarias y trascender a la secundaria. Estoy muy emocionada y nerviosa por ir a la secundaria, así que decidí preguntarle a otros estudiantes del vecindario lo que sienten al graduarse y sus metas después del gran día.

What does graduation mean to you?

“It means that now I have to get serious and really work hard to do my best and make my life the best I can.”

-Jackie Cardoza, Agustin Lara Academy

“Graduation means something very important to me because that day I begin a new chapter in my life.”

-Sandra Infante, James Hedges School

“Graduation is the most important day of my life because it’s opening new doors to my life.”

-Lesly Diaz, Chavez Multicultural Academy

What high school are you attending and why?

“I’m attending the Air Force Academy because of all the after school activities. I think that by attending this school I will exceed in my studies because the teachers and staff members make sure you’re focused.”

-Stephanie Franco, James Hedges Elementary

“I’m going to Curie because a lot of people told me it was a good high school. I’m willing to give it my all and better myself to get good grades to go to college.”

-Arely Sanchez , Agustin Lara Academy

Where do you see yourself in five years?

“In five years I see myself going to college and working to get my doctorate for nursing, which will allow me to help more people. With the help of my family and support of others I plan to make this true.”

-Joanna Robles, James Hedges Elementary

“I see myself having a great job with a good career and the most important thing is helping my parents.”

-Ivan Moreno, Chavez Multicultural Academy

“In five years I see myself in college studying for law enforcement. I’ve always wanted to be a cop and do what’s good for the neighborhood.”

-Juan Ruiz, James Hedges Elementary