This year’s seniors are preparing for graduation, college, and life after high school, and our senior counselor, Alma Mejia, plays a major role in helping them navigate it all. She works hard to keep students updated on important deadlines, a task that becomes even more important as the year goes on.
Having worked with many seniors since their freshman year, she shared how meaningful it has been to see their growth over time. “It’s incredibly rewarding to watch them become the young adults they are today,” she said. “Seeing them pursue their dreams is one of the best parts of my job.”
Mejia explained that her primary focus this year has been “ensuring students stay on track for graduation while supporting them with their postsecondary plans, whether that’s the military, workforce, community college, or a UC/CSU.”
She added, “I’ve also worked to keep students informed and on schedule with important deadlines.”
Still, senior year comes with challenges. The pressure of deadlines, college applications, and big decisions often leads students to feel overwhelmed. “One of the most challenging parts is managing all the deadlines and the many questions students have about life after high school,” she said.
When students come to her stressed, she tries to help them stay calm and focused. “I work to ground them in the facts,” she explained. “A lot of the time, I break things down into small steps so it feels more manageable. Sometimes we even complete the forms together right then so it doesn’t stay on their to-do list.”
Her motivation to become a counselor comes from her own experience navigating school as a first-generation student. “As a first-generation Hispanic female, I didn’t have much guidance,” she shared. “That’s what inspired me to become the support system I wish I’d had.”
Because of that experience, she reminds seniors that their path doesn’t have to be perfect. “Changing direction is not failure,” she tells them. “It’s a redirect.”
She also encourages students to explore all their options and not rely on just one plan. “I always tell them to keep backup plans—it’s important to stay open-minded about their future.”
Some of her favorite moments this year come from seeing seniors reach important milestones. “Helping them submit their college applications and watching their excitement when the acceptances start arriving is the best,” she said. She also loved watching their senior entrance on the first day of school, calling it a moment she’ll never forget.
When asked to describe the Class of 2026, she chose three words: “Chaotic, amazing, and resilient.”
As graduation approaches, it’s clear that this year’s seniors have a counselor who believes deeply in them, understands their struggles, and supports them through every step of their journey.
