For many, high school can be defined as the perpetual routine of ongoing distress, remorseless gossip, and confined classrooms that fill the hallways they can’t seem to escape from. However, within those halls is a grand fateless journey encapsulated into the short-lived time frame of four years—a journey determined by every passenger.
The high school experience is one that grows within all people, helping them become a unique character destined for a path of both success and prosperity. From freshmen who struggled to find their way to strong adult warriors ready for battle, the journey of our dear seniors is coming to an end.
For years, Miami Lakes Educational Center (MLEC) has been a sanctuary to all students. In a school that ensures safety, diversity, excellence, and the chance of a lifetime, students have been given the freedom to discover themselves and their otherworldly abilities.
The time is now for our fellow jaguars to shift their paws towards their future, and truly seek what calls their spirit so compellingly in this vast world of opportunity.
As well-renowned students full of pride and honor for their outstanding achievements begin to move forward, they are already two steps ahead. Jaguars have already secured their spots in future locations for their preferred schools.
From esteemed local universities such as the University of Florida (UF), to prestigious schools such as Yale University or the tropical campus of Hawai’i Pacific University, to enlistments in the United States Army, students will make their marks across all nations.
“When I stepped on the UF campus it felt like home, it felt like it was right,” said Herman Gonzalez, an engineering senior. “Now that I’m leaving, I know that I’m going to miss my friends––the people I’ve met through these four years. But, I also know that they are all going to do a lot of great things with their life from now on.”
Finding a college is almost as if one were searching for a soulmate. Each campus has a personality that sets them apart from the others, and it is up to every student to choose one that fits theirs, and accepts them for who they are.
However, the MLEC community will forever remain a part of all students. Many students were even able to catch a glimpse of the college experience through this community, as the distinguished Cambridge Academy had allowed them to advance to an associate degree.
“I’m so incredibly excited to move forward and start this new journey. It will be a bit different from being at a public school but I think taking classes at MDC helped the Forensic kids get used to the whole college feel, at least in some ways,” said Kathleen Obrer, a senior in global studies, formerly the forensics strand.
“My whole adventure at MLEC was a bit insane overall. The stress was a lot at times but I really appreciate the teachers that stuck with us through it all,” Obrer added. “I would tell underclassmen that it’s all about remaining levelheaded.”
Even though these students’ college journey has already begun, they are still looking forward to a new beginning where they will be on their own. As young adults, they will find their way through the real world just as they did as adolescents.
“Starting this new chapter of my life is both so exciting and so terrifying. I’m meeting new people because i’ll be dorming, but i’ll have to learn to take care of myself. My advice would be…enjoy it while you have it because it all goes by in a flash,” said Giuliana Hernandez, also a senior in global studies.
Change can be unsettling, but these seniors are sure ready to face anything that comes their way.
“In my high school experience, I was able to enjoy moments with wonderful officers, friends, peers, and teachers that all around always made my day,” said Michael Chan, a commercial arts senior. “I wish them all a life lived to their fullest and I hope they never drop their ball of opportunity.”
