Senior Advice for Underclassmen

Gavin Yates, Lana Noufal, and Hillary Bui

May 20, 2026

Avneet Panesar: “Don’t care about what others think.”
(Lana Noufal)

Jelani Caddy: “Take part in the extracurricular stuff: out-of-school activities, sports, different clubs, band—all that kind of stuff. Because you’ll miss out on a lot of exciting moments that you’ll never forget.”
(Laine Yates)

Rona Swain: “Get it done. I know you really don’t want to. I didn’t want to, and I almost didn’t make it to college, so just get it done and go thank your past self.”
(Laine Yates)

Emmanuel Sanches: “I’ll say join clubs and be involved academically because I regret not doing that.”
(Laine Yates)

Omer Elsebaie: “Do not drop out.”
(Laine Yates)

Jakae’lynn Limbrick: “Just enjoy it because high school really does go by fast.”
(Laine Yates)

Lucas Montenegro: “Focus on your schoolwork. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Definitely meet as many people as you can. I think high school definitely flies, and try to make as many memories as you can.”
(Laine Yates)

Austin McCoy: “Do your homework on time, get everything done, and stay in school.”
(Laine Yates)

Regan Gallenhugh: “Don’t be late to 2nd period if you have late arrival.”
(Laine Yates)

Shonte Swan: “I would say do everything for yourself. Don’t do anything for anyone else. Stay on top of your schoolwork. Get your homework done on time because this is really all you have to do. Stay in school and it’ll pay in the long run.” (Hillary Bui)

Victoria Martinez: “Put yourself out there, make more new friends, and join new clubs.”
(Hillary Bui)

Sonny Vera: “I would say just have fun in high school, experience it, but don’t let your grades slip. You’re only gonna be here for a little bit, so make the most of it while you can.”
(Hillary Bui)

Nadia Cibrian: “Every detour is a new opportunity, so don’t be afraid of change.”
(Hillary Bui)

Kimorionna Mayes: “Enjoy your 9th grade experience because once you get older, life hits, and it hits hard.”
(Hillary Bui)

Hailey Mouton: “My advice for underclassmen is to always just stay on top of your deadlines and all your work, ’cause it really does pile up. Even though you don’t feel like doing it or you feel like you wanna give up, do not give up. Take the time to get everything done first, and then have your fun later, ’cause it really will take a toll on you.”
(Hillary Bui)

Christian Torres: “Study more and focus on your classes so you can get the most out of your high school years.”
(Hillary Bui)

Ariana Covarrubias: “Always try hard, but don’t be scared to let loose a little. Having fun doesn’t make you any less smart.”
(Hillary Bui)

Alyssa Hernandez: “Don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t hold grudges.”
(Hillary Bui)

Jazmyn Hernandez: “Join lots of clubs and get out of your comfort zone.” (Lana Noufal)

Jenna Penn: “Stop chasing other people’s approval and choose yourself.” (Lana Noufal)

Joseph Moctezuma: “Keep your GPA at least over a 3.”
(Lana Noufal)

Molly Willmon: “Having a close, small circle is worth more than an unloyal, large circle.”
(Lana Noufal)

Nikoleta Geffert: “My advice for underclassmen next year is to be involved in extracurriculars and make a lot of friends.” (Lana Noufal)

Seniya Ruth: “Focus on yourself.” (Lana Noufal)

Shelby Ferrata: “Have fun and take risks.”
(Lana Noufal)

Senior Advice

About the Contributors

Lana Noufal

Lana Noufal, Reporter

Hi! My name is Lana Noufal and I am a senior! I love to read and write, but I also love traveling the world. I hope to start college next fall to pursue a career in journalism.

Hillary Bui

Hillary Bui, Reporter

Hi, my name is Hillary and this is my third year in Journalism. I love writing, but I also like drawing even though it looks bad! I want to get into any job related to writing!!

Laine Yates, Reporter

I’m a junior and a reporter for the Howler in my second year of journalism.