She wakes up in the morning and looks in the mirror. She pauses and remembers the face that used to stare back at her four years ago. Freshman year felt like it happened so long ago, yet everything seems to have gone by so fast.
A lot can happen in a span of four years. As graduation and the final moments of high school approach us, several seniors reflected on how they feel they have changed since their freshman year of high school.
Name:
Grace Fischer
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I’ve learned to better manage myself and my time.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
The Gatsby Gala was really fun along with choir competitions I have had the opportunity to attend.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would sign up for [more difficult] classes and focus more on my grades freshman year.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Grades are important! And if you’re bad at math, don’t sign up for Pre-AP geometry!
Grace Fischer during her freshman year.
Grace Fischer during her senior year.
Name:
Cameron Cole
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I feel like since I was a freshman I became much more mature, more respectful and more responsible. My whole attitude has changed for the better because I used to not really care what happened to me or anyone around me. Nowadays I care very deeply about everyone that is anywhere near me.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Doing the sound for [the play] “You Can’t Take It With You,” and the best part about it was just seeing everyone’s reaction to the play itself.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would take more diverse classes and take it year by year instead of trying to figure it all out the first year.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
To just stay much more relaxed and not so focused on just school and to have some more fun with life.
Cameron Cole during his freshman year.
Cameron Cole during his senior year.
Name:
Jace Cawthon
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I have changed so much since freshman year. I’ve grown to be stronger, smarter, and I’ve gained some really amazing friends along the way.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
My favorite high school experience would probably be when I went on my very first Lindale FFA CDE trip for Land Judging. It was so much fun. Even though the team I was on didn’t really know what we were doing, we still had fun. We [placed] last, but it was the best trip I’ve been on.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently, because if I did, I wouldn’t have gotten to have the experiences and gain the friends I have now.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Don’t stress about the little things. High school flies by, so enjoy all the little things while you can.
Jace Cawthon during her freshman year.
Jace Cawthon during her senior year.
Name:
Sera Camp
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I came into this school expecting it to be a long, hard journey. Along with the intimidation of high school, I began this road to find myself. Along with that first year fear, I met my boyfriend, Fuad Rai. He was much more shy than I was, but I have absolutely enjoyed the adventures we have had together. Now I have a way better idea of who I am, and my overall confidence has been completely altered. I believe Fuad feels the same about himself. He isn’t shy anymore and has definitely reached a point of confidence as well.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Even though I did, in fact, quit, soccer was always a huge influence in my life. The amazing women I have had the pleasure of knowing and fighting alongside truly made high school worth it. Those girls know how to be a friend and a team. I will never forget those bittersweet memories.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would definitely have tried a little harder. I am not at all saying I make bad grades, I think time just hit a hyper boost. It honestly doesn’t feel like my last year here, and I wish I would have tried to be an A+ student. I quite literally have no idea where the days have gone.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
TRY EVERYTHING! Don’t hold back. Take 10 seconds of courage and just do that sport or try that club. Make as many friends as you can and don’t give up on the ones you have. Only time will reveal the truth behind people.
Sera Camp (middle) during her freshman year.
Sera Camp (left) during her senior year.
Name:
Nathan “Nate” Schmid
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I have matured tremendously since freshman year, and I’ve grown physically and academically overall since freshman year. I also have become wiser with my decisions.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Enjoying the sports that I played and the tournaments with the teams that made a lot of memorable memories.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would try to get to know more people and branch out more. Also just be more relaxed.
Nate Schmid during his freshman year.
Nate Schmid during his senior year.
Name:
Peyton Hardie
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I’ve changed in my appearance.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Pep rallies
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Put more effort into myself
Peyton Hardie during her freshman year.
Peyton Hardie during her senior year.
Name:
Sarah Kiser
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I feel like I have changed so much since freshman year. I came into freshman year new, and I didn’t know anyone. I was scared out of my mind. I feel like now as a senior, I have more confidence, and I have learned to trust God’s plan more.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
My favorite school experience is playing basketball with my older sister, Alisha.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I don’t believe I would do it again. High school has made me stronger as a person. I would do some things differently, but I think I am relatively happy with my performance and experience.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would say to my freshman self to do all of your homework, to work hard, and enjoy every moment you have with friends and family!
Sarah Kiser during her freshman year.
Sarah Kiser during her senior year.
Name:
Mara Griffin
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I did not know Jesus Christ freshman year, so looking back, it’s crazy how much I’ve changed. I never would’ve thought that I would be the person to be attending church and Bible studies and going on missions, but here I am. The Lord has changed my heart of stone and given me grace. In return, I extend that grace to others in service. I certainly couldn’t have said that about myself freshman year.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Definitely taking Mrs. Lyles’ chemistry classes. Not only were they challenging, they taught me how to study and overcome failure. In addition, Mrs. Lyles is an example of humility that I can look up to. She encouraged me and reminded me of God’s grace many times as well as called me out in my rebellion. She did more than teach chemistry; she taught me how to live, and that’s one of the most important things a teacher can be an example of.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t have quit so many activities. It seemed as though I switched clubs yearly, if not monthly. That made it hard for me to find my thing and community, but at the same time, I’m thankful to know my interests greater.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
You have the power to change your “you” no matter what other people do. Change a friend group. Change a bad habit. Change your hair. Seek honesty and integrity and service. Find who you are in Christ! I promise, it’s both humbling and empowering.
Mara Griffin during her freshman year.
Mara Griffin during her senior year.
Name:
Ana Rodriguez
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I feel like I’ve really come to know myself. My character has definitely changed so much.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Honestly every part of high school has been my favorite. The good and the bad things. I love the atmosphere.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I would not do anything different! Everything that has happened the past four years has shaped me!
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Do not take high school for granted. It will be over before you even know it. Make new friends, join clubs, go to school events. These are your best years. The ones you’ll definitely remember.
Ana Rodriguez during her freshman year.
Ana Rodriguez during her freshman year.
Name:
Mykayla Walker
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I feel as if i have matured A LOT. I have learned to keep my mouth shut and that nobody cares about my opinion. It’s the hand I was dealt, and I learned to play the cards I have in my hand.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
Probably getting rid of all the toxicity in my life.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing
Mykayla Walker during her freshman year.
Mykayla Walker during her senior year.
Name
Jagger Ochoa
How do you feel like you have changed since your freshman year?
I feel like I have changed a lot. My personality, my outlook on life, my attitude towards school and my future, also just staying positive throughout school and not giving up on my classes. Every year I’ve gotten smarter and my grades have gotten better so I’ve changed a lot.
What has been your favorite high school experience?
My favorite high school experience was playing PNG at NRG Stadium in Houston.
If you could do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Playing football my freshman year definitely
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Make smart decisions and never give up.
Jagger Ochoa during his freshman year.
Jagger Ochoa (left) during his senior year.
