THROUGHOUT the four years of high school, students go through transformative experiences. Even on a daily basis, they can have large amounts of growth and development. I’m sure Lancers all know someone who has changed a lot throughout the years, specifically during high school. Students go through physical changes, discover their passions, and learn important life skills.

Many teachers notice the growth and improvement their students go through. As high school goes on, students develop better social skills. These skills then will help with their future careers. There may be obstacles throughout their journey, but as they learn to take advantage of these changes, they can create a stronger version of themselves and gain confidence. Those who take advantage of the extracurricular activities offered at Granger high school have an easier time finding their place between communities. High school gives kids the opportunity to chase their passions and find their purpose.

Personal growth is also a main thing that everyone goes through during their high school experience. Students may start to gain understanding of themselves and go through self-reflection. Throughout the challenges, students can learn how to have a positive outlook on things. Along with self-reflection, building relationships is also an important factor in high school. Students become more independent, learn to navigate social situations, and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Their growth throughout high school is important because it makes them who they are in the future.

Granger high school has many of these examples, students who have grown both personally and academically. Two of many students that stood out to Ms. Neibaur are Matheo Ledesma (12) and Liliana Garcia (12).

“I had Matheo as a freshman and again in the LAT (Lancer Action Team). As I’ve watched him, he is really outgoing and really tries hard in everything: school and soccer. I adopted him in my heart and kinda just followed him throughout the years, watching him grow up to be a really amazing leader. He is super helpful in the community. He goes hard for everything, whether it’s academics, soccer, or friendships. He’s amazing that way,” she said.

This shows how amazing Lancers are and how Granger is such a great environment to grow up in. “He became more confident as a student, player, and a leader. I really love how he continues to grow up, and how he always seemed to look out for people. He watches over me and always made sure I was OK—and I thought that was pretty impressive,” Ms. Neibar said. Granger has made an incredible community and Ledesma has proven that.

Ms. Neibaur is also impressed with Garcia. “I didn’t really know Lily until this year. She’s a member of the LAT (Lancer Action Team). What I really notice about her is that she’s always friendly and outgoing, but then as the years went on, she really stepped up. I know I can always count on her. She is a strong leader and has a lot of great ideas. I can say one little thing that needs to be done, and she´ll take charge and just run with it. She also will just come up with many fantastic ideas. She is a good example and a positive person. I’ve really just seen her step up into her own power and become an extraordinary and amazing person,” Neibaur said. Garcia is obviously another great example of what Lancers have become within Granger’s environment.

Garcia can see how she has changed in four years. “In the start of my freshman year, I didn’t care too much and didn’t do a whole lot, but over the past few years, I’ve found myself really stepping up and engaging in different activities. Over time, I’ve grown to prioritize not only myself, but also my community. My goal from the beginning was always just to graduate and go to college, but now, I want to get a higher education where I can help others,” Garcia said. This really shows what kind of person whe is. How she is kind, intelligent, and like Ms. Neibaur said, an overall great leader.

Garcia has advice for other Lancers. “The biggest piece of advice I could give to lower classmen is to give it your all. The only thing that is holding you back is yourself. It doesn’t matter what other people say because at the end of the day, it’s just high school. The drama will stay, but what you do for yourself will last a lifetime.”