As the new school year picks up, seniors’ minds are flooded with the overwhelming thoughts of PIQs, SAT scores, and the infamous common app. While they begin to experience all of their “first lasts,” Yorba Linda High School seniors gracefully balance the weight of academics and future planning, while still relentlessly pursuing their passions, interests, and personal goals. Senior year is an unforgettable, complex, and formative time: as seniors soak in their last moments in the home they have created in the YL Stable. They are faced with the pressure of their present circumstances, as well as the pressure to already have decided and planned out their future.
Instead of finding this one “right path” to follow after high school, success is found in chasing dreams (regardless of how seemingly big or small) and discovering passion and purpose in the spaces you find yourself in after graduation day. Here at Yorba Linda High School, each senior has a different dream, a different story, and different aspirations— and that’s what makes our senior class so special.
For ASB President and dual-sport athlete Cienna Olsen, purpose can be found in learning something new, challenging herself on the field, or creating long-lasting high school friendships. Cienna (12) reflects, claiming that “These valuable lessons I learn at school help so much in the real world, especially being in ASB, and I can’t wait to see where this takes me in the future.” While Cienna doesn’t currently have a set plan of what she wants next year to look like, she dreams of living in Texas or New York, pursuing something along the lines of musical theatre, dance, voice, or, in contrast, chemistry! Her interests drive the path for her future, and she reminds underclassmen who may worry for the future to “Share [their] ideas, share [their] light to everyone!”
For Kimia Tehrani, passion and ambition come from involvement in ABA Club, YLHS’s Business Academy, and volleyball. Kimia (12) shares: “I feel like my involvement on campus truly molded me into making so many new friends and connections,” highlighting the importance of creating a community during high school. Whether it be challenging herself through AP courses, spending time with friends and family, or pursuing her interests on and off of campus, Kimia creates a healthy balance that allows her to continually excel. After high school, Kimia plans to attend a 4-year university and aspires to eventually pursue a career as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
For varsity football athlete Onassis Lim, being heavily involved in ASB and football have instilled core principles in him that he will carry into his future. Onassis (12) reflects: “ASB and football have taught me core lessons of integrity, mutual respect, and responsibility, that will stick with me wherever I go.” Onassis balances both sports and academics, while simultaneously enjoying the constant fun and excitement of high school. Onassis plans to attend a university in California and study to become either a nurse or doctor. If Onassis could speak to other students at YLHS or in the community, he would say “It is okay that you don’t know what it is you want to do or be in life yet. Continue exploring yourself and your options to truly define your own destination.”
For Lorelai Pohl, running track and cross country and pursuing her love for art truly makes her experience at Yorba Linda High School. While a day in each student’s life looks and feels completely different, the wide range of passion and commitment makes our student body. Lorelai (12) says: “I always hang out with the friends I have made in school outside of school as well,” emphasizing the significant impact of creating high school friendships. After high school, Lorelai hopes to attend either a UC or out-of-state 4 year university to study architecture or medicine. As she recounts on her past four years as a Mustang, Lorelai encourages the next class of seniors to “Enjoy high school and don’t get too stressed over grades because it will all work out in the end.”
For Josh Willerer, Yorba Linda High School is a place he finds joy in involvement through basketball, Filipino club, and Link Crew. Being able to participate in these on campus activities has given Josh a way to remain involved, create new friendships, and keep busy. When thinking about the future, Josh says, “I plan on going to community college for 2 years and then transferring to a UC: hopefully UCLA. I think I want to go into real estate.” Josh looks forward to this final year in high school, while also viewing the future through an excited and enthusiastic lens.
For senior Calista Nguyen, her roles in B.E.E Society Clubs, PTSA, and lacrosse have molded both her high school years, and her future. Calista reflects: “Being involved on campus has exposed me to a diverse group of people, which has helped me create connections outside of school. Volunteer opportunities offered through clubs and organizations have encouraged me to give back and learn what my passions are.” While Calista has adopted a heart for service through her high school involvement, she has also found self confidence in her identity throughout these past four years. In her next chapter, Calista hopes to pursue business and marketing at a 4-year university, her dream school being University of Michigan. Looking back on her high school experience, Calista’s final words of advice are: “Don’t waste time comparing yourself together. Instead, focus on what makes you happy. Prioritizing self improvement not only helps with the pressure of expectations but also sets you up for true success.”
As we look at the daily work Mustangs put in to achieve goals, flourish academically, and enjoy the excitement of senior year, we celebrate the unique and individual path that lies ahead of each one, waiting to be explored. Yes, senior year is stressful, challenging, and scary, but it is also a time of true growth and self-discovery as we begin to embark on the next chapter, regardless of what it may look like. As we head into this time of new beginnings, remember that it is okay to not have it all figured out, and it’s okay to take the future day by day, writing your story page by page.
Emily Laterneau • Oct 23, 2025 at 7:48 AM
This is so moving and as a senior, this is super helpful