Passed Down Expertise: Seniors Share Guidelines to Success

Story by Alani Gonzalez-Embriz ’28

As the school year comes to an end and we begin to prepare for graduation, the best way for seniors to serve their community one last time is to offer the best advice and lessons they have learned over the years at SHC. I've interviewed two seniors about how SHC prepared them for college and the personal insights they’ll be applying to their next chapter. Through their experiences, several key themes emerged that serve as a guideline for others. Specifically, their stories highlight the power of seeking guidance and the importance of college readiness. 

I asked seniors, “What is the greatest piece of advice you have learned while attending SHC that you will be applying to in your college years?” Simran Phojanakong ’26 believes that the greatest piece of advice is taking responsibility for your own life. Phojanakong highlights the ability to hold oneself accountable to one's schoolwork, extracurricular activities and personal life. Stressing the utility of self-accountability, Phojanakong said that through this skill, she has learned a unique sense of agency, and it will be a valuable asset when she moves to college. For  Kouya Hinoki ’26, building strong relationships with peers is a key part of academic success and creating a social life. Hinoki explains, “That building healthy relationships with your teacher through office hours and reaching out to them has made learning much more efficient and effective.” Rather than relying on the usual tactics for academic success, Hinoki utilizes a different approach: community. He believes even the tiniest interactions, like greeting people in the hallways, make all the difference. While personal habits like accountability are vital, the transition to college also requires a variety of practical skills. Seniors often point to the rigorous courses and skills they've learned at SHC as a primary source of their confidence heading into their freshman year of college. 

For many seniors, the thought of transitioning to college can be daunting; however, students at SHC feel readily equipped. Phojanakong credits the school's challenging curriculum for giving her the confidence to take the next step in life. She said, “Having the opportunity to take academically rigorous courses challenged me intellectually. SHC sets higher expectations than most high schools; Phojanakong is grateful for the introduction of stringent grading policies and college-style courses. Becoming accustomed to these demanding academic expectations paved the way for students, like Phojanakong, to feel truly prepared for college. 

Sacred Heart Cathedral has a vibrant and welcoming environment, and senior Hinoki attributes his success to his willingness to seek help from its community. He believes that establishing a trustworthy relationship with teachers helped him understand how to use the resources available to him, which allowed him to excel in his academics. Utilizing resources such as office hours and simply reaching out to teachers for extra assistance led him to recognize the importance of not being afraid to ask. He became more inclined to ask for help because he realized that the teachers would go above and beyond to help him succeed. Learning to reach out to peers has prepared him for long-term success. 

Before seniors Kouya and Simran say their last goodbye, they leave insightful advice for incoming seniors. Both seniors insist on taking time to reflect, not only to plan for the future but to cherish their last moments before entering adulthood. Kouya emphasizes the value of being able to “take it all in” while also “grinding until the end.” He said, Although this is the last year of childhood, it’s important not to lose track of responsibilities. Despite the recurring feeling that school may seem over, keeping your drive will continue to carry your life.” Similarly, Simran advises incoming seniors to reflect on their personal values and the person they want to become. She emphasized that next year’s seniors should select the college that best aligns with the person they want to become. She said, “Being satisfied with your choice will not only make you excited to apply, but also give a sense of direction.”