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 was 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.
Rohit Sahota, Barry Goldwater High School
Hardest part of senior year… Adapting to online learning. I missed going to school and learning alongside my peers in a classroom. Yet, things were made worse for me as a diploma student for the International Baccalaureate program because senior year is the most crucial time of high school when you need your teacher’s help and support the most to get the IB diploma. However, I feel blessed to have teachers who looked out for me and tried to help all students to the best of their abilities while also struggling to get used to the “new normal.”
Biggest lesson learned… I learned the importance of taking care of my mental health because there were days when I didn’t feel like getting out of my bed, but I pushed myself to be positive and appreciate those little things that I could still do, such as call my best friend. I started to include yoga and meditation into my daily routine to stop the mental noise and declutter my mind.
I learned to value the people around me and to let them know how much they mean to me. More often than not, we take the things that our families and friends do for us for granted and we forget to thank them for their support. However, the year 2020 taught me to never overlook the little things my family and friends do for me because they are the pillars of my life. Lastly, I learned to embrace the uncertainty that comes with each moment and, most importantly, enjoy every second of my life and make the most out of it.
After graduation… I am very excited to attend the University of Arizona and make my family proud as a first-generation college student.
Hardest part of senior year… Missing out on all the events that I was going to partake in. In fact, when the nation first shut down due to COVID-19, I was supposed to be getting on a plane the next day to go to Denver for my volleyball tournament. Not being able to go on trips, attend events, play volleyball, or act in theatrical production was hard to adjust to over the course of this past year.
Niah Nieuwenhuis, Ridgeline High School
Biggest lesson learned… I consider myself to be a perfectionist, and am someone who enjoys having a nice schedule and planned days. I had to learn how to be flexible with my time and not focus on the details. If something got canceled that I had worked on for months, I had to take a deep breath and move on. Although I will never completely leave behind my Type-A personality, COVID-19 and its impacts have taught me the importance of living a wholehearted and balanced life.
After graduation… I will be attending Northern Arizona University as an honors student. I will be majoring in communication sciences and disorders to hopefully one day become a speech-language pathologist for young children.
Gabriela Chiappetta, Boulder Creek High School
Hardest part of senior year… Having online classes. At times, it was difficult to keep up with my classes knowing I was not going into school. It felt as though I was no longer in school and I didn’t need to do the work. I found it difficult to connect with the other students during online courses and I feel like I missed opportunities to meet new people this year. It was also disappointing that we did not get to participate in so many school events that seniors usually get to enjoy… football games, homecoming, and assemblies.
Biggest lesson learned… These changes have helped me to gain more responsibility. Online school means being responsible and disciplined with your studies. At first I struggled with this, but as time went on I began to realize I needed to stay focused on my studies even though my teachers were not necessarily there to guide me. I think that this has helped me prepare for college as I will have to take on more responsibility once I begin classes.
After graduation… I am planning on attending the honors college at Northern Arizona University to study nursing.
Joyce Priebe, Boulder Creek High School
Hardest part of senior year… Understanding we would not have the traditional high school experience. No assemblies, crowded home games, or the social parts of school that seniors get to be the forefront of.
Biggest lesson learned… I feel more confident in my abilities to navigate hard times. Knowing I made it through everything in the last year is comforting that I can handle the challenge of uncertainty.
After graduation… I am going to study marine biology at a university.
Esha Kubavat, Anthem Preparatory Academy
Hardest part of senior year… Missing out on senior events. For so many years I’ve heard that senior year is the year to look forward to in high school. Not getting to experience those great bonding moments with my class was disappointing, but the unfortunate reality of this year.
Biggest lesson learned… I’ve found that the most important thing for me to have through these hard times is my friends and family. Without the strong backbone that they have provided for me, living through quarantine could have really deteriorated my mental health, so for them I am very grateful.
After graduation… I will be attending Arizona State University this fall at Barrett, The Honors College with a major in biological sciences.
Ethan Anderson, Anthem Preparatory Academy
Hardest part of senior year… Instead of just focusing on my classes, my family, my friends, my athletic career, and my college decision, I also had to factor in staying safe amid a global pandemic, educating myself on the numerous issues plaguing both our country and our world, and finding my own way to begin to address those issues. It was overwhelming and it took a long time to adjust.
Biggest lesson learned… I’ve learned to endure changes with grace and understanding, which makes change bearable and sometimes even enjoyable. If this past year has taught us all anything, it is that we never know exactly what the next day will bring, as cliché as that sounds. Having the skill set to remain positive and productive throughout any situation is one that I think is often lost on people, so having that skillset will help me go through my life in a much better and happier way.
After graduation… I am going to major in medicinal biochemistry at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University. I plan on exploring my interests a little before I go into the medical field and becoming a doctor to fulfill my dream of helping people in times of need.
Abbie Rougemont, Boulder Creek High School
Hardest part of senior year… While I enjoyed waking up, rolling over, and turning on my computer, I sometimes struggled with figuring out what it was I was learning. Being at home, I also had to work hard at staying focused. This experience has truly made me appreciate face-to-face learning. My teachers were always available, but it was up to me to make sure I stayed on top of things.
Biggest lesson learned… While I am sad about missing out on many of the celebrations from this past year, I can honestly say I have tried to make the best of every opportunity. All of these changes helped me to grow as an individual and prepared me for my future. I’ve become more independent and more appreciative of being in the presence of others.
After graduation… I will be attending Northern Arizona University to study nursing.
Main Photo Credit: Abrar Khalid