Name: Santiago

Graduation Year: 2023

 

Why did you choose College Prep? The supportive community. High School is a time to figure out what you want to do with your life. You should take risks and explore everything. Not only do you get to choose your classes, but you get to pick what you want to learn more about. The thing I like the most about College Prep is how everyone has your back no matter how hard things get. Yes, high school is tough, but it's better when you have friends and teachers supporting you the entire way. College Prep ensures that its students get the support and resources that we need to succeed.

  

What advice do you have for 8th graders applying to high school? Enjoy your last year of middle school! I know that you're probably applying to many different schools, but eighth grade only happens once. Find time to enjoy the little moments with your friends and your family. Whether it be lunch with your friends, or dinner with your family, just take a moment to enjoy the things around you.

 

What is your favorite place on campus? The gym. After studying I often go down to the gym and shoot hoops. Not only does this relieve stress, but it allows me to clear my head. That way, when I come back to studying, I can focus on the things in front of me.

 

What are you involved in on Campus? I play baseball and basketball. This was a great way for me to meet people outside of my grade, but also get some exercise.  It has also taught me many valuable lessons, such as time management and how to work well with others.

 

What has been your favorite class? English. When I was in middle school, I remember being unable to understand Shakespeare, so I was a little anxious about reading Much Ado About Nothing. At College Prep, learning this complex language was entertaining. My English teacher, Dr. Peterson, had quite the sense of humor. Also, rather than explaining the novel to us, Dr. Peterson allowed us to share our own interpretations of the texts. This unit was my favorite of the year because it allowed me to appreciate Shakespeare's work in a way that I never thought I would.

 

What has been the best thing about College Prep? The people I've met. I've made a lot of friendships with people who live all over the Bay Area. In middle school, I only knew people from the East Bay.  Now, I've met many different people who have a new perspective to share.

 

What is your favorite College Prep memory? Playing ping-pong my freshman year. Every lunch, most of the freshmen would go to the ping-pong table and spend the entire lunch just having fun. We all had smiles on our faces. When we were playing, it was almost like school was non-existent.

 

1. The Seattle Seahawks are my favorite football team.

2. In my free time, I like to write short stories and books.

3. I know how to solve the Rubik's Cube.