By Olivia Mitchell

The new school year is in full swing, and HRVHS has a full class of seniors looking towards their futures – whether it be in a private college, a state university, or straight on to a job. With this in mind, it’s sometimes difficult to remember that a whole class of peers has done what the class of 2016 is doing now. As they have already established their path for life after high school, it’s good to catch up with a few of them, and inquire about their experience since graduation day.

Carlos Chairez, Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR

Q: What’s the biggest difference between your 4 years at HRVHS and your life since graduation?

A: Freedom (so much freedom) and always constantly thinking about the future. In high school, you think about what you’re going to wear tomorrow, or about how hard the trigonometry test is going to be. Before and during college, you have to be open-minded and think twice about every decision you make.

Q: What do you miss most about high school?

A: The whole sense of home. Since Hood River is so small, you know/recognize everybody in every class. The staff, coaches, teachers, and friends make high school home (especially since HRV drained so many hours out of me, I basically lived there).

Q: What is the best thing about being done with high school?

A: Talking to all the high school seniors/juniors, and when I ask them how their year is going, and after their response, I reply saying “oh, I remember doing that.” And obviously because I can study and take courses that interest me in college.

Q: Do you have any advice for the graduating class of 2016?

A: Early action is smart action. It’s never too early to go look at campuses, browse for university and local scholarships, and most importantly, getting ahead on assignments to not let “senioritis” be an excuse for procrastination. And of course, enjoy senior year! Once an Eagle, always an Eagle.

Kameron Walker, Linfield College in McMinnville, OR

Q: What’s the biggest difference between your 4 years at HRVHS and your life since graduation?

A: Well, being away from home is definitely very different, and learning to live on my own and do things like laundry is weird.

Q: What do you miss most about high school?

A: I miss the sports – never playing basketball and football again is still weird for me.

Q: What is the best thing about being done with high school?

A: Getting the freedom away from your parents is pretty sweet. But with freedom comes responsibility, so you have to find that happy medium.

Q: Do you have any advice for the graduating class of 2016?

A: My advice would be to have a great last year. This will be the last time many of you play sports or do things like homecoming, and also the last time with your friends for a while. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and try new things, you’ll be amazed at what you find interesting if you give it a try.

Megumi Hosaka, University of Washington in Seattle, WA

Q: What’s the biggest difference between your 4 years at HRVHS and your life since graduation?

A: The people. Growing up in Hood River has given me amazing lifelong friends, but I’ve only ever known them, so it’s hard to adjust to meeting new people and trying to form new relationships. Plus UW has a lot of international students, and there are a lot of them on my floor, so the communication barrier is so real.

Q: What do you miss most about high school?

A: I miss knowing everyone, and how tight-knit our little community is. Being in the city is quite the change for me. I also miss homecoming, and being able to dress up for stuff.

Q: What is the best thing about being done with high school?

A: Everyone grows up a little. No one fights about air guitar or our grad song anymore. It’s also nice to be able to separate yourself from everyone who you wanted to get away from, but couldn’t in high school.

Q: Do you have any advice for the graduating class of 2016?

A: Literally apply to every school you’re even considering going to, and also apply to every single scholarship you can. Honestly, senior year is chill, and you’ll have time to do all of that as long as you’re productive. You don’t have to know your major right now, you, just have to know what you love to do – what interests you and which school can give you the education you need to continue doing what you love for the rest of your life. You don’t have to be reasonable because sometimes reasonable sucks, and don’t take any classes you don’t like or AP courses you’re not interested in just because you have to. If you’re taking AP Physics, but you’re not super into it, then drop it and take something else. Just try to have fun.

Malia Schneider, dental hygiene internship, OR

Q: What’s the biggest difference between your 4 years at HRVHS and your life since graduation?

A: I feel free of stress for the first time in my life. I know that eventually classes will get harder, but it feels so good to be in charge of my education. I’m finally following my dream, and I’m able to set a good example for my brothers!

Q: What do you miss most about high school?

A: I miss my favorite teachers! Many of the HRV staff has influenced my life positively over the years. I’m still in touch with Mrs. Webster, and miss having her as a teacher!

Q: What is the best thing about being done with high school?

A: The best thing about being done with high school is feeling fully in charge of my future and my education; I’ve never been one to like rules.

Q: Do you have any advice for the graduating class of 2016?

A: No. excuses. You got this! Working hard pays off in more ways than you know, and I’m someone who never listened to those words before now. I stayed confident, kind, and respectful no matter what obstacles I faced in high school. I took responsibility for my grades, and worked hard for them. I’m incredibly grateful for where I am now, and have great intentions.