For the senior class of 2025, the countdown to graduation has begun, bringing both excitement and stress. With only a few months left, ELARA seniors are juggling schoolwork, grades, and the pressure of meeting graduation requirements.
After facing many challenges, students are excited about their future plans, whether it’s going to college, starting work, or something else. Some students are focused on meeting graduation requirements, while others worry about how they will afford college. Many juggle school, work, sports, and family responsibilities, making the final months of high school overwhelming. For seniors, time management is key. Belen Cerezo, a senior at ELARA, advises underclassmen to stay focused while still enjoying their final year, saying,¨ Have fun throughout your last year but also stay on task, don´t lose track of time, make sure you know how to manage your time.¨
A 2023 LAUSD report shows that while 40% of East LA graduates continue to college, many struggle with financial barriers, family obligations, or uncertainty about their next steps. Some students enter the workforce immediately, while others explore vocational programs or take a gap year. For some seniors, graduation brings excitement, but for others, it brings uncertainty. Leslie Castillo, a senior at ELARA, is still exploring her options saying,¨ High school goes by fast, so soak it all in! I’m still figuring out my plans after graduation… I´m considering both further studies and starting to work.¨
To help students plan their options, ELARA offers resources such as college-readiness programs, financial aid workshops, and career exploration events to help students explore their options after high school. ¨We encourage students to take advantage of every opportunity available,¨ said a school counselor. Programs like the LAUSD College Promise and the East LA Rising Scholarship provide financial support to students in need.
For many students, financial challenges make graduation stressful. From college tuition to transportation and living expenses, the cost of education can feel overwhelming. Seniors are encouraged to ask teachers and counselors about scholarships such as the LAUSD College Promise, the East LA Rising Scholarship, and other financial aid opportunities.
As graduation day approaches, the Class of 2025 reflects on the journey that brought them here. What legacy will they leave behind, and how will they shape their future?