|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
With local high schools holding their commencement ceremonies this week, the Voice wanted to hear from graduating seniors about what their high school experience has been like.
Below is a Q&A interview with Alta Vista High School senior Zane Arica, who reflected on his experience at the school. Answers have been edited for style and clarity.
What is your favorite memory from high school?
I’ve had some amazing teachers over the years. My favorite memory is once bringing a teacher to tears with an especially thoughtful letter of thanks I’d written — I couldn’t wipe away the slight smile I had on my face for the rest of the day, knowing I’d moved them any amount.
Another small but still meaningful memory is anytime I got a teacher to laugh or crack a smile from a little joke or gesture. I hope it mitigated at least a bit of the monotony that comes with teaching the same subject multiple periods a day. They deserve the world — taking up their time and resources to nurture and encourage future generations.
I’m grateful to have made so many good memories in my high school years. What I’ll remember most going forward are the people — I love each and everyone single one of them.
What’s a word that describes your senior year?
Introspective. It’s been a time of not just learning, but growth and reflection for me. Having time spent on future-planning got me thinking both of what I want to do and who I feel I am. It’s been a learning experience in more ways than one.
What song defines your senior year?
“Against the Kitchen Floor” by Will Wood, particularly the lyric “The vertex of my redemption arc, the searching of that virgin heart.” This song tackles how the feelings of estrangement, degraded self-worth and indifference can affect a person and their loved ones.
I’ve spent most of my senior year really looking into myself — trying my best not to hide my humanity. I realize now just how many people have cared for me, nurtured the sense of hope and optimism I have now, encouraged me, and brought me back to my feet. I don’t want all this effort to be in vain by closing myself off for the remainder of my life.
I have friends, family, peers, teachers, counselors, mentors and so many more who have rooted for me — I couldn’t put the gratitude I feel into words for them. Someday in the near future, I hope to be able to find those words — express all the thanks I feel towards each and every single one of them.
I hold this song really dear to me because — like every other song I listen to now — I found it from a friend’s recommendation. I’m always reminded of the amazing memories I’ve shared with them whenever this song comes on. It’s a beautiful piece of music that still has not gotten old for me, even after nearly a year of listening to it many times over.
Which class do you think prepared you most for life after high school?
English. Bettering my English skills – vocabulary, grammar and creative writing – has been nice, but what made English class my favorite was the self-reflection it allowed me to pursue.
Finish this sentence: “In 10 years I’m going to be…”
A clinical psychologist, or a therapist, or a counselor — something in the mental health field — maybe even a teacher.
I feel we’re all already blessed with a surplus of empathy, and that we just need a little nudge — something, or someone, to bring it out of us. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the people that have shown care and love towards me. Even if my future work could only help a fraction of the population, I want that fraction to live their best life.
What’s the top piece of advice that you would give to incoming high school schoolers?
I think we put too much significance on the smallest mistakes we make. What’s one experience, which is a fraction of a fraction of your life, going to mean in the big picture? It won’t define who you are for the rest of your life.
What are you most proud of accomplishing or overcoming in high school?
Getting to where I am despite all the struggles. Completing high school is one thing, but realizing all the adversity you’ve faced — whatever hardships there were on your journey there — it puts into perspective the work you’ve really put into reaching that terminus.
Check out this year’s list of Alta Vista High School graduates and read our article about the graduation ceremony.
For all of our graduation coverage, go to our central graduation page.
Hells Angels member reaches plea deal in fatal punch case at Mountain View concertApril 22, 2026 8:00 am
