As graduation approaches, three seniors are preparing to close one chapter of their lives while stepping into new paths shaped by college plans, career goals and personal growth.
Elisabeth Verdin Martinez, Jayden Vera and Georgianna Kargbo, all members of the class of 2026, shared similar emotions about the transition ahead: excitement for the future mixed with fear of the unknown.
Martinez plans to attend a four-year university and major in biology with the goal of attending medical school.
“Right now, I’m looking to get my bachelor’s in biology, so therefore I can apply to a med school,” she said.
She has already been accepted to San Jose State University and California State University, Fullerton (CSU) yet said Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is one of her top choices because of its hands-on learning environment.
Vera, who plans to major in civil engineering, will spend his summer working at Bearskin Meadow Camp as a counselor-in-training before becoming a camp counselor. He has been accepted to San Francisco State University and is awaiting responses from several other schools, including Cal Poly Pomona and the California State University, Long Beach. He hopes to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
“For my major, it’s gonna be taking up to between six to ten years,” he said.
Kargbo plans to attend Sacramento State University and major in nursing, with hopes of working with children.
“I want to work with kids,” she said, explaining her interest in becoming a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, labor and delivery nurse, or pediatric nurse. She plans to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Although their goals differ, all three seniors expressed anxiety about the independence that comes after high school.
“I’m very scared,” Martinez said. “College is something very independent, especially if you’re living far away from home.”
Vera shared similar concerns, saying, “No one is gonna be watching over you. You have your own back.”
Kargbo added, “I’m scared just because it’s something new, and I don’t know how I’m going to handle that.”
At the same time, the students said they are ready to move on.
“I am so excited,” Martinez said. “It’s just time to move on and I’m ready to be done with this routine.”
Vera said graduating felt meaningful because of his family’s connection to the school. “I’m graduating from a place I grew up in,” he said.
Kargbo described graduation as both emotional and rewarding. “That’s an achievement,” she said. “I feel like it’s something that should be celebrated.”
When reflecting on their time in high school, all three students named their sophomore year as a favorite. Martinez said it was the year she met new people and felt most comfortable academically. Kargbo agreed, saying her sophomore year was her “peak of high school.” Vera said it was when he made strong friendships and meaningful connections that still matter to him today.
The seniors were also surprised by how quickly time passed. “It was very shocking to me how I kind of just turned into a senior,” Martinez said
Vera added, “I honestly didn’t expect all these years to come by so fast.”
Kargbo reflected on how quickly the years had gone by, saying, ”All good things must come to an end.”
For upcoming seniors, each student offered advice centered on balance. Martinez encouraged students to “put yourself out there.”
Vera advised students to “live your youth to the fullest” and not miss opportunities.
Kargbo emphasized enjoying the moment while staying focused, saying, “Have fun… but also be refocused and still have your goals in mind.”
As graduation day nears, Martinez, Vera and Kargbo are taking time to reflect on the memories, friendships and lessons that shaped them, while preparing to step confidently into the next chapter of their lives.
