Graduation countdown is nearly over
The countdown to graduation is close to an end, and by fall this year, current Lindhurst High School seniors will be dispersed all across California.
Many of us at LHS are low-income, first-generation American minority students, and if statistics proved true, we would not find ourselves attending any university in a few months.
However, thanks to our determination to succeed, our teachers and the resources given to us, we have soared past the typical level of expectations for students in our position. Our acceptance into college is definitely an accomplishment that we should all be proud to announce rather than be modest about.
April was a critical month for those of us who have been weighing out the pros and cons between different colleges. May 1 rolled around quicker than expected, and we have chosen the universities that will serve as our home away from home for the upcoming years.
Some students chose colleges close to town, such as the green, welcoming city of Chico.
"Chico State is the right place for me," said Khaomee Thao, a senior at LHS. "Plus, it's a beautiful place."
Others have decided to explore outside their comfort zone and have chosen to travel to Southern California.
"My perspective of college is a stepping stone toward my future goals. It helps you grow in so many ways. You get to choose who you want to be," said Rose Cha, another senior at LHS. "I've decided to take my journey to San Diego State University because I find their medical program intriguing."
"I'm really excited since I have never experienced the city life before," said Lovee Yang, a senior at LHS who is planning to enroll at the University of California, Los Angeles. "I will miss my family and all my friends dearly since UCLA is far away from here."
I will head down south with Lovee to UCLA — a dramatic change from living in a small town and being away from my family for so long.
Although we are all separating, I know that one day we will return to our hometown. I have always admired guest speakers and high school alumni who come back and share their knowledge about college and life in general.
Motivating the youth to pursue a higher education is definitely one of my goals to accomplish in the near future, which makes me happy knowing that in a few years, the Lindhurst High School class of 2012 will be the ones returning to our community and sharing our experiences that we go through.
Jamie Yang is a senior at Lindhurst High School. This is her final column for the Education section.
