Red caps and gowns, receiving diplomas, and saying goodbyes. Everett High seniors are preparing to leave high school and start a new chapter in their lives. But what do they plan to do when they leave EHS? 

The class of 2023 has had a unique high school experience. With Covid cutting off their freshman year in March 2020, navigating Zoom and virtual learning their sophomore year, wearing masks and practicing social distancing their junior year, to finally having a normal year in their last year of high school. Finally seniors. 

Graduation is set to be June 3, and they have a plan set for when they graduate. Some will pursue a form of postsecondary education and others won’t. But each senior has their own blueprint that will help them achieve their goals and dreams.

“I want to work in the law field, but haven’t committed to a college or university yet,” said senior Samela De Souza, who is going to spend her summer working and saving money. Playing sports and getting involved in the community has helped her be more outgoing and work better with people, said De Souza. 

“High school has taught me not to hide myself, because people will always have something to say,” said senior Heidi Orellena Ramos, who will major in computer science and is deciding on either  UMASS Boston or Suffolk University. “This time next year, I see myself looking for apartments because I want to be living on my own by my sophomore year of college,” said Orellana Ramos. They want to become a software engineer while cooking, traveling, and making art on the side. 

College isn’t the only path seniors will take. There are students who are not pursuing any form of secondary education and will jump straight into working when they leave school. Some students have completed a CTE (Career/Vocational Technical Education) program and will work in that field. Carpentry, Marketing, and Medical Assisting are a few examples of CTE programs offered at EHS. 

Senior Elias Vargas knew since freshman year he wouldn’t be going to college. “It’s just not for me,” Vargas said. “I’ve always been interested in working with cars. I’m going to work with my uncle at his auto shop.” However, he feels that EHS hasn’t necessarily prepared him for the time when he’d leave high school and start his own life. “I’ve met really great people who’ve made an impact on my life, but I don’t think I’ve learned anything that would matter in the real world.” Vargas hopes to not have to worry about money in the future as well as owning his dream car. 

Despite their many struggles, seniors are quickly approaching the end of their high school career, and are preparing themselves for life after high school. They’ll say their goodbyes and make their own life. Some will remain friends and others will grow apart. No one student is the same, and neither are their paths.