By Rachel Baird and Mikayla Henson
During senior year, students struggle with understanding that their high school career is coming to an end. In the beginning of senior year, students beg the year to go by fast. Toward the middle, they beg it to slow down. And at the end, they wish it never stopped. Senior Anahi Zambrano is someone who knows that she will miss every aspect about high school.
When asked to describe her experience during high school Zambrano stated, “I have loved every minute of my high school experience. It was obviously never perfect; I’ve dealt with my fair share of drama and personal issues but, honestly, who hasn’t? It’s really all a part of high school and growing up...My favorite memory would have to be bell week and bell game all four years. Being a part of the dance team, I was able to experience this amazing tradition in a different way like being on the sidelines, visiting the nursing home and, of course, performing during halftime which is always the highlight of the entire week for me and will always be something I remember.”
Zambrano tried out for the dance team her freshman year, and easily gained a spot on the varsity team. Of course, like most incoming freshmen, Zambrano was very nervous but she knew a few girls also trying out so that made her feel more comfortable. Zambrano remained on the varsity team all four years of high school. Even though Zambrano has a passion for dance, she was unsure about also dancing in college.
“I made best friends on this team and shared so many memories with them. My high school experience wouldn’t have been half as memorable if it wasn’t for dance. As for college, I was a little on the fence about whether or not I wanted to continue dancing...I barely made the virtual tryout deadline for UCCS which was super stressful. I haven’t heard back from them yet, so I still don’t know whether I have made the team or not, but hopefully it works out and I can continue what I love in college.”
When asked whether or not seniors are excited to graduate, there are usually two possible answers. There are seniors who can’t wait to get out of high school, and there are others who know the transition from high school and college is going to be difficult. For Zambrano, leaving high school is going to be an emotional time.
“I truthfully am going to miss everything about high school. I’ve heard so many people say that high school was the worst time of their life and they couldn’t wait to leave. Obviously, everything has changed so much and senior year just isn’t ending the way that it was supposed to. It was all very sudden and taken away, and I am just going to miss seeing everyone’s faces in the hallways and the people and teachers I’ve grown up with in my daily life...As of right now, I’m not too thrilled to graduate because again, it’s not going to be the graduation I always envisioned and watched my older friend and family members experience. I was so looking forward to graduation and getting overly sentimental about moving on to the next stage of my life, but I’m not even sure if our senior class will get that chance anymore. I’m still proud nonetheless, but it is a little heartbreaking that it had to end so soon and in such a bad way.”
Zambrano has decided to leave the nest and head up north for college. “I am going to University of Colorado Colorado Springs. I am going to pursue nursing and become an RN, which I know is going to be difficult but I’ve had my mind set on this career for a while now and I know that if I just work hard and focus in college, I can do it,” said Zambrano.
Luckily, Zambrano won’t be very far from friends and family while she is in college. “It’s not a very far move but I think that it’s a far enough distance away from Pueblo and my family to give me the space and independence I need to grow as an individual,” stated Zambrano. Which is very true, most kids like to leave town so that way they can see who they truly are.
Zambrano's advice for the incoming freshmen is, “Just enjoy these four years because they go by so much faster than you think. I can just remember my first day of high school and now I’m just about done. Make friends with as many people as you can, join clubs, try out for sports even if you think you’re not the best. Make memories with your friends, take lots of pictures, focus on school and grades, go to school dances, dress up for spirit weeks and just enjoy being a bulldog. If I could start my whole high school years over I would just relive it all again.”
Anahi Zambrano has had such a great experience at Centennial High School, with all of her memories, it will be hard to leave. She is, however, going to do amazing things out there in the world, and we wish her the best!
