With graduation coming up soon, I wanted to talk to a few seniors from the class of 2025 about their time at HSMSE. I asked three questions: What was your favorite memory? What advice would you give to someone going through the college process? And what was one fun or memorable part of the senior trip? Everyone had different answers, and it was interesting to hear their honest thoughts before they head off to whatever comes next.
What was your favorite high school memory?
“My favorite high school memory was my first winter recital. It was so much fun and an unforgettable experience. It was also very chaotic which made it funny in a way. Planning it was stressful and exciting because it was the first time we ever did anything like this. Everybody was so involved. The energy backstage and onstage was captivating.” —Jazmine Chavez (’25)
“One of my favorite memories is the C-Day barbeque during Spirit Week in my sophomore year. I remember there were these delicious hot dogs and cheddar mac and cheese. Chatting with my friends in the quad on a nice spring day and eating good food are my two favorite things.” —Anthony Diresta (’25)
“A memorable moment from high school was when the indoor boys’ track team won the city championship. I was extremely proud to be a member of the team and it was amazing to see the culmination of all of our efforts lead us to victory.” —Joel Shin (’25)
What is some advice you have for HSMSE students starting the college process?
“A valuable piece of advice for college is [to not] doubt your personal capabilities based on what other people say. Also, apply to as many scholarships as you can but apply to smaller ones because there’s less competition, and multiple small ones will accumulate and save you a lot of money. Expensive ones, like a twenty-two thousand dollar one, are harder to get.” —Jazmine Chavez (’25)
“I would say that you should start writing your essays earlier than you think you need to. Utilize your English teachers as much as possible to give you pointers on your work. You should also start writing the essays for your safety schools and then work your way up to your dream school. Your writing will improve over time with practice.” —Anthony Diresta (’25)
“Be patient with yourself. Everything takes time. Good things will come your way with dedication.”—Joel Shin (’25)
What is a fun and memorable moment from the senior trip?
“For the senior trip, we went to Villa Roma Skiing Resort in upstate New York. A fun moment was Dance Night 2 when we danced with all of the other schools there like with Baruch and Midwood. It was nice to mesh with new people of our age and let loose after a stressful semester.” —Jazmine Chavez (’25)
“I’ll never forget how one of my closest friends clogged the toilet and everyone came together to avoid the smell since all the vents were connected. It was a uniting experience for the grade because I got to talk to people in my grade I had never spoken to before about this foul and funny experience.” —Anthony Diresta (’25)
“I loved it when I went outside for a walk at night with some of my friends, away from the group. We walked for two hours in the pitch black. It was so peaceful and therapeutic to engage in nature with my closest buddies. ” —Joel Shin (’25)
Even though the answers were all different, there were a few things that kept coming up. Some people talked about moments that were just funny or random, while others shared more personal memories that clearly meant a lot to them. Either way, it showed how the small things really do stay with people. The advice about college felt very down to earth. Nobody tried to make it sound perfect or super deep. They just shared what helped them get through the college application process and what they wished they had known earlier, making it practical.
The senior trip gave people a chance to just have fun and be with their friends. There were a few unexpected or funny stories that came up, along with some really nice moments that meant a lot to people. It sounded like a mix of fun and meaningful time together before everything changes. While writing this piece, I realized just how fast high school goes. While you are in it, it feels like it will last forever, but then it suddenly starts to come to a close. After hearing from the seniors, it is evident that the things people remember most are not always the big events—it is the regular days with the right people that stick with you. Thanks to the seniors who shared their stories. We are all wishing you the best with whatever comes next, and we hope you remember to visit once in a while!