Class of 2025: it was as if we were little kids waking up to be sitting in front of a computer screen in 2019-2020. It’s as if time went flying when Covid was around. We are now seniors, in a couple of months we will be graduating from Roxbury High School. These past 4 years, looking back at freshman year and reflecting on how we used to act, what entertained us, and overall the outcome it had on us in the end. Do you believe you have changed, physically, mentally, or emotionally?

While talking with some seniors, I decided to ask: “How would you compare yourself to now and back to freshman year?” My first interviewee was Jalene Molina. Molina said, “Freshman year, I was a little questionable. I kind of was getting into some trouble. It was just full of drama. It was just so petty looking back at it now. I would say I’m very quiet, very independent, and very demure. My senior self, I would say I improved a lot [in] the last 4 years. I’m not the same person as I was when I was 14 years old. I’ve grown.” Molina’s freshman year wasn’t the biggest highlight of her high school experience but she’s become more self-aware of her surroundings, more productive, and on top of her assignments. She had some enlightenment throughout the previous years and turned them into a lesson to never forget.

Next, I got to speak with Nick Gonzalez. Gonzalez said, “I personally don’t think I changed a lot throughout the years. Some maturity has come along the way. I’ve been friends with the same people for 4 years. Navigating my way to classes from freshman year has been hard and now, as a senior, the hardest is just the work I have for some of my classes. I would say as a senior it is a little stressful because this is our last year in high school before entering a whole new and more advanced school.” Many seniors may not have changed throughout or grew as much and that’s still okay. The senior class has come a long way. Time flew by and it’s crazy to think in the next few months, we will all be graduating. 

Matthew Castrovinci states, “I’d say I’m more confident, more mature, I’ve grown up. Freshman year, I was lost, scared, and uncomfortable when I first entered High School. It was overwhelming but, throughout the years, I was able to get down a routine and manage my way to becoming a senior. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown up since.” Entering a new school and not knowing where your classes are is a bit terrifying. With the halls packed with students and  everyone is shoving, it can be discomforting. 

Lastly, Daniel Diaz says, “Freshman year I was very self-conscious about my body and looks especially entering high school. After getting introduced to the gym by my Coach Roumes, it really changed me as a person. I see myself getting more confidence. I started realizing changes that made me more motivated and I found a passion in doing it. I try to help people with their confidence and their will to want to get into the gym or do something that will make them feel better about themselves. As a senior now, I see myself more in a better spot, more in control of my emotions, [and] a better position where I can feel I can help others with their issues/problems. I’m proud of myself for getting where I [am] now and I can understand others if they are going through the same situation I’ve been through. I… want to make sure no one is alone in their… battles and that everyone around them is there for them even if they don’t think so.” Understanding where Daniel was at a point struggling with confidence and just having… low self-esteem, it’s very important to be aware of your mental health and take action for it. Very proud of where Daniel Diaz, senior, is at with himself and to make very more improvements along his journey.

With only a countdown of a couple of months left and for the new year, Class of 2025 will be graduating. It has been a wild experience but with so many memories to cherish. Friendships have been made, bonds with our favorite teachers, and achieving our goals with sports and academics. It is now our time to take the spotlight. Continue to go down the right path and follow through.