Seniors Say

Bittersweet: both pleasant and painful or regretful. After spending three years looking forward to senior year and finally making it here, I have come to the conclusion that senior year is bittersweet. The thrill of graduation approaching and applying to colleges is in constant competition with an extremely sad “farewell” to four years’ worth of treasured memories and people. Still, there’s a long way to go and a lot of stresses to fight through, so here’s what some of my fellow seniors say.

How are you handling applying to college on top of all your other school work and co-curriculars? Do you have any advice for underclassmen?

“Personally, this year feels like every other year. I’m maintaining my grades, playing my sports, and having fun. Maybe it’s because I haven’t applied to any of my colleges yet and it’s already December… I’m just kind of freaked out that all my friends have applied to their schools and I’m here without a college essay. I’m going to get into college- it’s just that the application process is a hassle.” -Zuleika Briceno, Student Body Vice President

“I found that when beginning the college admissions process, it’s best to get it all done before the deadlines and to set reminders. It takes some of the stress out of the process and also gives you time the focus your energy on other activities. Some advice I would give to my beautiful underclass women is study and practice on getting good SAT scores and the rest is a breeze, and don't worry if you don't get a perfect score, there is a great number of colleges that aren't look for perfect.” -Celest Bucknor, Student Body President

“I think I’m handling the pressure of the college application process along with school work and activities pretty well, despite having (many) moments that are spent procrastinating and stressing out about everything happening all at once. It’s really easy to think so negatively about the situation, but I try to remain optimistic and realistic about where my future is heading as much as possible. One piece of advice I would give to underclassmen is to always do your best, but do so in moderation. This not only applies to your school life, but to every aspect of your life as well. Everyone tends to go past their limits at some point, but it’s important to realize where your boundaries are, and when to stop. Maintaining good grades is important, but every now and then, take some time to slow down and take proper care of your physical and mental health.” -Claudine Prado

“By starting work before my deadlines caught up with me, I was able to avoid the stress and clashing of applications with my school work and activities. My advice to underclassmen is to enjoy every moment because before you know it, you’ll have to leave Preston and it becomes bittersweet.” -Gabriela Johns

What is a memory that you’re going to miss after you graduate?

“Honestly, I’m going to miss playing with my teams. I’m not playing sports in college, so these are the last teams I’m going to be part of. I’m going to miss playing with them, hanging with them, arguing with them, and really, doing everything with them for months at a time. My soccer team and my basketball team are really family, and I hate having to leave them.”

-Zuleika Briceno, Student Body Vice President

“A moment that I'll miss when I graduate is our yearly lock-in. I'll miss having a huge sleepover with all of my sisters. Every year that I've gone, I’ve made memories that would last a lifetime with not only my circle of friends, but with other sisters I might've never talked to if it weren't for lock-in.” -Celest Bucknor, Student Body President

“One moment I will definitely miss when I graduate is realizing how grateful I am to have met and grown close to such amazing and inspiring people. It’s hard to find people you click with so well, and I’m so lucky and happy to have found a group of people who soon became my dearest friends over the past few years.” -Claudine Prado

“I think I’ll miss Step-Up Day because those days, all the classes were pumped and united- no matter if you were friends or not. We all were just happy to get to the next year and celebrate the whole year we just had together.” -Gabriela Johns

Your advice to underclassmen?

“To underclassmen, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! I know you guys will anyway, but just don’t. Also, take a lot of picture for memories! In all seriousness, my advice is to stay true to yourself and don’t let anyone try to change you or limit you. Be your truest self and don’t do anything you’ll regret.” -Zuleika Briceno, Student Body Vice President

“ Another piece of advice I would like to add for my underclass women is get involved. I know that by the time 2:49 hits, the next place you want to be is out and about or if you’re like me, at home sleeping, but if you do that, you’re missing the opportunity to showcase your talents in a way that's beneficial for our community and yourself. Especially to the freshman, putting forth the effort to stand out is an important skill you will need to when applying to college and when you’re going for your career- all while making memories. I remember my freshman year I couldn't wait for graduation, and knowing that it was still four years away, I would ‘be out’ after dismissal. It wasn't until I started getting involved in student council and Caribbean Club, then trying out for the step team, and even auditioning for the play, that I was able to share my unique abilities of acting, stepping, and service. In participating in these various activities, I was able to gain my leadership positions and so can you!” -Celest Bucknor, Student Body President

“To freshmen; if I’m being honest, this was one of the worst years I’ve had. It was difficult trying to adjust to high school life, and it just felt like everything was going downhill for the entirety of that year. But, I did get through it. My piece of advice: take it slowly and adjust to high school life at your own pace. The work will get harder, but getting used to it becomes much easier. To sophomores; this was easily the most relaxing year I’ve had, simply because the work wasn’t as demanding as the previous year, and because I wasn’t a freshman anymore. I actually felt like I was a part of my high school. The only piece of advice I could give is to mentally prepare yourself for all the college talk in your junior year, and for all the work to become significantly harder. For right now, enjoy the fact that you’re not completely suffering—I’m not saying this year will be easy for everyone, but it’s definitely not as tough as the next two years will be. To juniors; as demanding as this year was, all the work really pays off in the end. It is scary knowing that this is the year colleges look at intensely. My piece of advice would be to take your work seriously and not let the idea of college scare you too much right now. To seniors; every single one of you will get into college! I get it, it’s easy to get caught up in all the stress, but every single one of you has something to offer whether or not you realize it. I wish everyone in this class the best and that you achieve your goals in the near future.” Claudine Prado

“Freshmen, don’t be scared. You may not realize it yet, but Preston will become your second home. You can be yourself because we all love you. Sophomores, as school gets harder don’t hesitate to ask for help. It’s only your second year, so we all understand that you might still be adjusting. Juniors, This is your hardest year, but you’re almost seniors! Through all the stress, make sure to leave time for yourself and don’t take Preston for granted because next year, it’s going to be your ‘lasts’ for everything. Go to every event you can and enjoy every moment.”-Gabriela Johns