It’s hard to put into words just how much high school has changed me, of course there’s the physical transition from my awkward freshman self to my now less awkward senior self, but no one tells you just how much high school will alter just about every aspect of you. High school taught me to be confident in myself and to have trust in my capabilities. My four years at Mira Costa consisted of a long bumpy and windy road of learning about myself, for better and for worse. I learned that if there’s one thing that will always remain true its that hard work pays off, and my knowledge of that fact is the reason that I wouldn’t change a thing about the last four years.
Throughout high school I threw myself whole heartedly into the things that I loved, Broadcast Journalism and Student Government; although the tough times evidently struck here and there, it was my love for these two activities that ultimately got me where I wanted to be. The hardworking yet nurturing environment that these two organizations harbor among their students is truly unparalleled.
The experiences that I have been given as a result of these programs have changed my life forever. In February of 2015 I was given the opportunity to travel to Cuba with my Broadcast Journalism class to create a documentary. At this time, Cuba was still largely closed off to many countries and its culture was widely preserved. Interviewing Cuban citizens and hearing their stories while observing their beautiful traditions is an experience I will never forget. It’s opportunities like these which allow me to fully appreciate the experiences I’ve been given throughout my four years at Costa. I encourage anyone who is on the fence to always take risks and jump at opportunities even if you’re unsure of the outcome.
When March of my senior year rolled around I received my acceptance to The Annenberg School of Communications and Journalism at USC. I know now that hard work is what got me there, but I also know that I couldn’t have done it without the experiences provided to me by the programs that I love. So if there’s any advice I can give to those bright eyed underclassmen soon to endure the wrath of college acceptances it is to never doubt hard work, and to throw yourself one hundred and fifty percent into the things that you love, and never forget that you bleed green and gold.