THE YEARS pass quickly without many students even realizing it. Making the most of every single school year is essential, especially for those entering their final months on campus. As the new school year kicks off, Lancers can set themselves up for an unforgettable year filled with meaningful moments. High school is not just about getting good grades, but also about personal growth, building friendships, and creating lasting memories. Seniors in particular benefit from attending traditional senior events, embracing new opportunities, and taking advantage of every moment that comes their way to maximize their final year.
Constantly being reminded that time as a student is limited puts the high school experience into perspective. “You’re only a teenager once, in high school for only four years. I think you should go to every single game, join every club you want to join, join all those sports, or you’re gonna have regrets in the future,” Nhu Nguyen (11) said.
Taking her own advice, Nguyen is looking forward to diving deeper into student life this year. “I want to join tennis again, and I wanna bond with my whole group and meet new people. I’m going to be in student government next year, and I want not just me, but everyone else to feel connected and not be shy around others because we don’t really know each other,” Nguyen said. Building those friendships provides a strong foundation for a great school year while encouraging students to step outside their comfort zones.
For upperclassmen, athletic seasons and team traditions often define the high school experience. “My favorite part of the year was my soccer season. I really enjoyed playing with my teammates one last time and creating memories that I’ll remember for years to come,” Elizabeth Colorado (‘26) said. Joining a team can transform a student’s year, as bonds formed during practice turn teammates into lifelong friends. “What made the most of my senior year was making the most of my time with my friends and taking the opportunity to meet new people. I suggest being open-minded and trying something new even if you’re afraid,” Colorado said.
Other Lancers plan to make their upcoming years count by expanding their extracurricular involvement. Abel Diaz (12) says he wants to make the most of next year by joining more clubs and potentially playing sports. He also hopes to broaden his friend group and become more outgoing across campus. Looking ahead to his final year, Diaz says he is most excited for his senior soccer season because students only get one senior year in their lives, and skipping school events often leads to regret after graduation.
Taking spontaneous opportunities also helps students forge memorable senior years. “I made the most out of my senior year by making myself available to do all sorts of sidequests. Sometimes it’d be a random hike at 3 a.m. or picking up golfing as a sport out of nowhere. It’s important to be social because you never know how well you could bond with people until you try,” Neal Phan (‘26) said.
Phan encourages all Lancers to remain outgoing and open to new experiences. “If people want to get the most out of their school year, enjoy the time you have off with people that make you feel better, and the ones that will truly be there for you no matter what. Don’t be afraid to try new things, because the worst that can happen won’t affect you after graduation. It’ll fly by way faster than you expect,” Phan said. Following the advice of students who have navigated high school successfully gives underclassmen a roadmap for creating their own memorable experiences.
