Hernandez sisters look back on their time as Suns

In my past three years of going to Del Oro, I have experienced and learned many new things about school, myself, and so many life lessons. Although I am sad to leave Del Oro and all I have learned here, I am grateful for all the memories this school has brought me and the happiness I couldn’t have found anywhere else.

As a senior sign-off, I never thought this day would come so soon, nor did I ever want it to actually happen, for that matter. It’s funny, when I first heard that I would have to transfer to this brand-new school, I didn’t want to at first. I thought I would miss my friends and lose everything. Instead, I gained relationships with some of the best people I have ever met, and I am still in contact with my old friends.

I realized a new school was exactly what I needed. I found myself not only meeting new people, but meeting a new version of myself. I became more involved in school, my sports, grades, and more involved in growing closer with teachers. I put myself out there to make new friends, to talk to people that came from other high schools, and joined sports I never thought I would do, such as cross country and soccer.
I fell in love with everything this school had to offer me, and everything the new version of me felt safe enough to try. I even joined ASB, finding that I not only already love school, but that I love being in school events, planning them, making promo videos, and taking part in rallies throughout the years. I fell in love with being a part of school, joining a family and creating lifetime memories.

Although I had quite a few downsides throughout my years, who hasn’t? I am blessed to have my downsides be so small and common, making me overjoyed that all my experiences are outweighed by a landslide of good over bad. The only lowlights of my years at Del Oro have just been crashing out over essays, math, and of course mean girls – but hey, that’s high school for you. Instead of hanging on to those things, I choose to strive past them, to thrive and remember that these things happen no matter where you go.

When it comes to my highlights however, those are easy. Right now, my favorite memory would probably be Winter formal. It was my first and last formal ever, and I am glad to say I had the best time of my life dancing the night away with my closest friends. Our Del oro staff and ASB really worked hard to make the night happen. Other highlights I’ve had in Del Oro have been meeting some of the most amazing teachers and creating bonds with them. I’ve gone to Sunchella and had amazing times dancing with friends both years, and Homecoming as well; I really love dancing with everyone.

Even when I feel drained and upset over my own personal problems, this school has been a safe space for me, whether it’s attending events, showing up to class, or just hanging out with friends during lunch. I am always happy to be here.

Another highlight has been my sports. I’ve only improved and gotten faster and better, all thanks to my coaches and this amazing program. Being in sports has always been a part of my life, but being able to participate in them here at Del Oro brought out a version of me I never thought I would see. I’ve been pushed past my limits mentally and physically, and learned many lessons I couldn’t have learned anywhere else. I have always been someone who is both an introvert and extrovert, quiet but always willing to put myself out there and enjoy new things. Del Oro has only helped bring that side of me into a new light, helping myself and others to realize school is more fun when you actually just try the fun events and plans they offer.

I couldn’t be more happier with the impact I’ve both gained and made here at Del Oro, but I am beyond sad to say farewell when the time comes. So in the meantime, I will use what time I have left to continue filling my heart with memories, and leaving my Senior mark. I thank this school and its people everyday for who I am now.

Signing off,

Michelle Hernandez

My journey ever since coming to Del Oro has undoubtedly been a roller coaster I have yet to finish. It feels like I went through a movie, if I had to sum my last four years up.

I went from being the oldest on campus for three years straight to being the first to graduate from a brand-new school, although I didn’t have anyone to look up to or guide me. I’ll have to admit being at a school with no juniors and/or seniors was pretty awesome, especially during lunchtime and with all the space on campus.

My senior year started off unpredictably: I had dyed my hair red the day before school for the fun of it, got sent to the dean the very first day, and again a few days later… I kept switching my classes, etc. It was pretty amusing the first month.

I unfortunately had problems with myself mentally because of past issues, and not everything went as planned. For example, a friend had separated from our group so we lost some connection. I had to make a schedule on what days I would hang out with one group and what days another. And then there was the whole process of applying to college and realizing that every moment in school was going to be my last.

Now, I wasn’t one of those kids who thought they would be immune to senioritis, but I didn’t expect to crash out this much. (A piece of advice for incoming seniors, please take college Government and Economics over the summer, you’ll regret it if you don’t.) I had been on top of ASB really good, trying to help our school activities spread and make rallies enjoyable. But eventually, once you reach the peak of a mountain you have to plummet down for a while to reach the next one.

Cross country was always exciting since it’s my main and favorite sport. It was my close friend Sonia and I the majority of the time racing. I got to see my junior gap me and reach her potential. I’m still seeing it to this day of how amazing she is. I had set a PR (personal record) as well but started hurting, so my last few races weren’t that good.

I cried, knowing that was the last cross country race in high school I’d ever run. I wouldn’t be there the upcoming year, but I completed my goal and was happy to meet my team. I even found a guy I started to like and eventually by November we started talking. Now we’re dating!
I later moved on to soccer and gave it all I got, had a beautiful senior night with a bunch of good saves from being goalie. Now, I’m currently on the track team, just enjoying the runs.

I got back into that school spirit. Being a rally commissioner and a valuable part of ASB has made me proud to pour hard work and dedication into trying to make things work. I got mad on the inside, stressed that I couldn’t do everything I wanted and crashed out multiple times a day.

I definitely would do it all over again.

I made close connections with teachers and coaches who both helped me learn about life and also made me wonder why the heck am I even here doing this? Especially now that the year is coming to an end, it definitely feels hectic knowing I’ll graduate, have senior activities, rallies, dances, AP tests all close together, and much more – all in the last month, piled together.

Senior year is really something. Yet despite all the things I said that make it sound frantic, I really enjoyed all the highlights of this year along with the senior activities I participated in. I ended this year on a good note and can’t say I regret anything, I’m happy to have made a high school memory box and know that Del Oro will always hold a special place in my heart. I wouldn’t change my fate for anything.

My most important highlight of senior year will always be my friends. We had to cut out the bad people we thought were good and it made our souls finally breathe. My friend group has always helped me be a good person and reach higher than I thought I could. I shared moments with them that made us stronger and closer. They truly are a blessing from God to me and I will deeply miss the hangouts and practices we soon won’t have. But mark my words I will come back to see my underclassmen thrive and be sure to give the best advice I am able to for them.

What a long school year it’s been, but how special it has been as well. Thank you for the memories.

Miley Hernandez Moreno, signing off. 🙂