As our seniors embark on their final year at UHS, they can reflect on how they spent their summer and prepare for what lies ahead in this final stretch before they take their first big step into adulthood. From traveling worldwide to spending time with friends, the Class of 2025 has made their last high school summer memorable.
Some seniors were able to travel to different places during the summer. Whether it’s a quick road trip or an extravagant vacation around the world, having the opportunity to travel and get away is the perfect way to de-stress and unwind after a long junior year. Senior Minerva You traveled to Taiwan over the summer to visit family and friends, allowing her to experience a culture different from the one she’s used to in Irvine.
“I visited my relatives in Taiwan for a few weeks and traveled to some cities in Taiwan I’d never been to before with my brother,” You said. “I also visited some of my childhood friends there and learned about Taiwan’s high school systems and culture, which was cool!”
While some seniors were busy traveling, others took a more relaxed approach. Senior Sarah Hong is among the many seniors who stayed closer to home. Staying in Irvine allowed her to spend time with friends and get started on her college applications.
“My summer was the most peaceful my life has ever been!” Hong said. “I stayed in town for the most part and went to the beach a couple [of] times with friends and club members.”
Many seniors also took the opportunity to enrich their academic and extracurricular experiences by attending summer programs. Summer programs allow students to explore and advance their knowledge in a topic or subject that they are passionate about. Many of these programs occur on college campuses, giving students a taste of college and dorm life.
“I had the opportunity to attend a math summer program, where I spent six weeks in Boston learning about college mathematics and number theory,” You said. “I thought it was a great way for me to explore what college life and college courses are like before I apply to colleges.”
With summer vacation long gone and senior year in full swing, these students are looking forward to tackling their final year at UHS. One change many seniors are noticing as seniors is a slightly lighter course load and fewer required classes. This is a welcome change for most seniors, who filled their schedule with several rigorous AP classes junior year. Senior Eric Yang, who took six AP courses last year, noticed his new classes are slightly less rigorous.
“I feel pretty good regarding my classes this year,” Yang said. “[My courses] are mostly pretty fun and engaging as I had significantly more freedom in selecting which classes to take.”
This approach allows seniors more time for responsibilities and activities outside of school, including college applications, jobs, and sports.
“Some of my goals for this year are to not succumb to senioritis and be productive throughout the entire school year,” Yang said. “This goes beyond academics as well; I wish to continue developing my hobbies and things I value [outside of school].”
This year highlights the shift between childhood and adulthood, with UHS students preparing to go out into the world to start college, work at a future career and tackle their goals. Many of these students look forward to the future while reflecting and reminiscing on their time at UHS. This may be the last year they can see some of their high school friends, and they are determined to make the most out of their final year.
“While I’m definitely going to miss high school, I’m also very excited for what’s in store for me in college,” Hong said. “I think I’m going to make as many heartfelt memories as I can in the next couple of months before graduation.”
