Naser Zayid, a senior at Yorba Linda High School, has been nominated as the Most Improved Student by YLHS counselor Ms. Kollenborn. While his journey through high school has had its ups and downs, Naser exhibits enduring strength and optimism that have contributed to his overall growth as a student and a person. “I would never have thought this would happen,” he states. “But I have seen the improvement in myself, and I’m excited to be nominated!” Peers and staff alike have recognized his dedication to the activities he’s involved in, as well as his empathetic nature.

Naser cited his special education instructor, Ms. Rosero, as one of the people who offered him great support throughout high school. She emphasized that life skills are as crucial as academics, teaching Naser how to manage money and maintain a budget through the Mustang Coffee Cart. Along with his personal resilience, the valuable knowledge and guidance he gained from those around him helped to shape his journey.

In addition to the Coffee Cart, working on the ASB team became a significant part of Naser’s high school experience and is an activity he looks forward to every day, apart from language arts class and jogging. Isabelle Gregg (12) remarks on how she and many of his peers have noticed how “he always looks for ways to help and asks Cece, the ASB president, what he can contribute. He’s talkative and empathetic and has a positive energy that everyone sees and feels.”

The transition from middle school to high school was particularly difficult for Naser, given the anxieties of adapting to a new environment and schedule. “One of the hardest parts was getting along with certain people,” Naser comments, “but I was able to overcome that obstacle with the help of my mom, dad, and siblings.” 

While Naser feels that he fell into the common habit of procrastination, he found motivation in seeing the finish line and pushing through the final stretch before graduation. Despite the seemingly long distance before the beginning of the next chapter, Naser reflects, “There is not much time to enjoy. It goes by fast, and I’ve learned to live in the moment and relax.” Adopting the mindset of working with enthusiasm while also living life to its fullest has helped Naser embrace his high school years and view graduating as his greatest milestone.

Naser has demonstrated remarkable growth as a student and person, and he is sure to continue establishing connections built on kindness and accomplish great feats in the future. Naser’s counselor, Ms. Kollenborn (S), shares, “I am honored to recognize Naser as our Most Improved Student because he is the definition of what it means to be a Yorba Linda High School Mustang. His work ethic, kindness, and collaborative nature are truly admirable, and our school is lucky to have him as a student.”