Listen to students on what they need to succeed in high school and beyond

I have always been passionate about the medical field. I knew I always loved to help people however I could. I also was so curious about how the body works, so it would make sense that I would be interested in working in the medical field.

When I started in the biomedical pathway, I thought there were only a few medical careers, but I soon discovered multiple careers within many areas and specialties. This allowed me to explore different career options and feel more supported and prepared for college.

I believe we need reassurance and exposure to feel supported when we’re getting ready for college or whatever comes after high school. Sometimes we feel discouraged and doubt if we can even make it to college. Getting into college can be overwhelming. So, what students really need is someone to encourage us and remind us that we can do it.  For me personally, having that constant reassurance in my pathway gave me the push I needed to go for it and follow my college dreams.

Exposure to higher education has also been a game-changer and has provided me with recent and authentic information about colleges and universities. I’ve had the chance to visit colleges, talk to actual college students, and even attend college events. It’s given me a real feel for what daily college life is like and a better understanding of different majors and career paths.

Juan Tzintzun plans to attend San Bernardino Valley College in the fall.

To thrive in high school, young people need teachers who truly care about us and inspire our growth. They need to make learning a positive experience and guide us towards different paths after graduation.

My teachers have played a huge role in my preparation for college and life after high school. For example, Mr. Frias, my engineering teacher, goes above and beyond to support us and get us ready for engineering careers. He builds strong relationships with his students and provides countless opportunities for learning. Being part of the Multimedia and Engineering Academy has also opened doors for me to work closely with counselors to prepare for college.

Mr. McMillan is another fantastic teacher who has been instrumental in making math enjoyable and providing much-needed support. He’s always there to help us understand the subject and make it real and relevant. Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to earn college credits through dual enrollment, giving me an idea of what to expect in college classes.

In my opinion, having caring teachers is the most crucial factor for feeling supported in high school. They need to make learning positive and guide us towards different paths after graduation. They should not only emphasize the importance of college but also present alternative routes to success.

One of the biggest sources of support for me has been my teachers and the classroom environment. They often engage the whole class in discussions that allow us to express our thoughts and feelings freely, without any specific questions or writing assignments. These types of classroom discussions have been a huge support for me because they create a space for open dialogue. It’s not just about finding answers or completing assignments; it’s about sharing our thoughts and engaging in meaningful conversations.

As part of my pathway, I also had the opportunity to participate in a dual-enrollment program, which gave me a feel for college while in high school. Being in a college classroom with real professors, learning beyond high school topics, made me feel more responsible and independent.

All in all, being part of a Linked Learning pathway feels like being in a close-knit community. We see our teachers and classmates almost every day, and after spending almost three years together, we really know each other. It’s like we’re a family. We share personal stuff, and it feels like we’ve been together forever. We have this deep connection and understanding of one another.

Students need that feeling of connection, like we’re not just strangers passing by. Instead of being treated like robots who are told what to do, we want guidance that’s personalized to our own situations and dreams. It’s also important to have access to different options and opportunities so we can explore and make smart choices about our future.

Having real-life experiences and talking with mentors and people in the community has also given me a ton of perspectives. It’s been inspiring because I’ve felt like I learned something meaningful. It’s not just math or science anymore; it’s about what could be my future career. In the end, it’s all about building strong bonds within our community. Today’s students are longing for just that.

Anderson Lonh plans to attend UC Davis in the fall.

As I stepped into high school, my heart was filled with uncertainty about my journey to college and the future that lay ahead. What college did I want to go to? What should be my major? I’m glad to say that the Reseda biomedical pathway offered answers to those questions, with teachers offering unwavering support and offering educational opportunities to guide my path towards college and a bright future beyond. A standout experience was the dual-enrollment program at Pierce College, where I worked in a lab and learned essential techniques. This set me apart and prepared me for college-level work. My pathway enabled me to join HOSA, a student-led organization promoting opportunities in the health industry, and compete in city and state competitions, which further fueled my passion for the medical field. Volunteering at a hospital solidified my goals of attending college and medical school.

High school is a pivotal time, preparing students for the real world. To ease this transition, a school must provide three key things:

First, students need lots and lots of opportunities. Coming in from middle school, I didn’t have a clear post-high school plan. Thankfully, due to my biomedical pathway, I was introduced to opportunities that gave me a better understanding of what I liked and disliked, providing me a clearer idea of what to do after high school.

Secondly, academic support from teachers and counselors is crucial. They created a supportive environment, ensuring I didn’t miss out on classes, learning or achievements.

Lastly, fostering a sense of belonging is essential. No kid wants to be an “odd one out” in their class or school environment. My pathway connected me with like-minded people who can work together.

Nikita Montchenko plans to attend UCLA in the fall.

Today’s high school students are undergoing an enormous amount of transformation, and it’s crucial for our teachers to understand where we’re coming from. They should also know that things are changing all around us.

Feeling at ease with my teachers is important, and it’s not rocket science. Checking in with me through a simple “How are you?” or “How’s your day going?” can mean the world. My teachers do this all the time, and it shows how much they care.

All the students in my pathway are really close to our teachers. If we need help in class or on an assignment, our teachers are always willing to take time out of their day to support us. Not only do we feel super supported by our teachers, but also our principal and other staff. This has been especially helpful after the pandemic. Our teachers have been incredibly patient and taken a slow and steady approach, which has helped us to get back on track.

Through my pathway, I’ve even had the chance to take college classes at Long Beach Community College. Let me tell you, it’s been amazing, and I feel less anxious about my future. On top of that, I’m saving time and money for my parents while still in high school. While the classes have been challenging, I’ve done well with a lot of support from my teachers. I’m seriously proud of myself.

Honestly, being part of my pathway feels like being part of one big family. I feel totally comfortable with my teachers. If I’m going through a tough time, I know they’ve got my back. We’ve got open lines of communication, trust and care. It’s what us high-schoolers need to succeed.