The class of 2025 started their high school careers right after finishing middle school online due to COVID-19. For many, entering West Albany High School was the first time going to school physically since the pandemic ended, the motivation to start going to school again was low.
“Since it was COVID year, [I had no expectations]. I kind of expected online school to go on for a little bit longer, but going in, I thought it would be pretty similar to middle school, since our middle school also had different periods, and they were kind of trying to get us ready for high school,” says senior Shaii Yakavenka.
Becoming a freshman, Yakavenka was worried about the expectations that high school had of them.
“I expected there to be a lot of homework and more difficult classes, and I guess for it not to be as fun as it has been, almost, because while classes are hell, it can still be pretty fun. There are a lot of great electives, my favorites so far have been jewelry, intro to psych, and criminal justice.” Yakavenka said.
Throughout their years in high school, Yakavenka was interested in the arts, a previous hobby of theirs that they started pursuing again because of the opportunities that West offers.
“I did start getting into the arts in general, and I’ve mostly been continuing with writing and just any form of creative work. This is my second year in AP art. I did some textiles, and currently I’m in pottery, and it’s been really fun.”
Senior Callista Cwmcwlamare was in a similar situation at the start of her freshman year; low expectations when entering the school for the first time.
“I can’t say that I expected much. I expected that there would be more expectations put on me, that I would have to do a lot, and that there would be a lot of pressure coming from students and teachers, and generally, that there would be no free time,” said Cwmcwlameare.
Cwmcwlamare was put into a rough spot during her underclassmen years when she couldn’t put up with her self-expectations.
“I remember being very overwhelmed by everything, especially given how big of a space it is. Now I’m a lot more confident. I can easily just be yelling across the room and have absolutely no shame in saying some pretty unhinged things, and overall, I’m generally just less worried.”
The seniors at West Albany would talk to their younger selves and give them advice to prepare for their high school years.
“Be prepared to deal with some shit. That’s about it. I wouldn’t particularly change anything in high school. I wish I were more prepared,” says Yakavenka.
Similar to what Yakavenka said, Cwmcwalamare reflects and gives her own advice.
“Everything’s gonna be tough and it’s gonna suck and you kind of suck too. That’s life, but you’ll find your way.”
