Vista seniors look back on their school's first four years

Editor's note: At the beginning of the school year, the Telegraph spoke to five seniors at Vista del Lago High School. Now, the Telegraph is following up with them to see if their senior year lived up to their expectations.As the first graduating class finishes up their last week at Vista del Lago High School, some students reflected on their time at the new school and to look ahead.Senior Chris Jung, 18, played football at Vista and said his team spirit is one thing he will always remember."Working as a team collectively for one goal will help me work in the future as a team in the business world," he said. "I'm really excited, and so ready for the summer and college."Jung plans to attend Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, next fall to major in business.One of his goals for college is to continue his musical skills with the guitar which he began in high school."It goes by in a blink of an eye, so really take your time and enjoy yourself," he said to younger Vista students preparing for senior year.Alexa Hess, 18, was a cheerleader at the school while also focusing on her future career in journalism."It's definitely bitter sweet," she said. "I'm excited to be done and moving into a new chapter in my life, but sad to be leaving my friends behind."Hess plans to attend the University of Southern California next fall to major in broadcast journalism.She plans to apply for internships at local publications this summer, and continue while in college. "It's exciting to be a part of the first graduating class. It's a feeling of accomplishment and success to finish," she said. To younger Vista students, she said, "keep working though your struggles because in the end, it's worth it to be where you want to be."Senior Anjali Wadhwa, 17, was associated student body president and said she was glad that she could be a part of a school that allowed her to create traditions for generations of students after her."Seeing the school change so much, and my dedication alone, has been so exciting in creating new traditions. With the memories that we made, it's neat to know that I contributed to the building of the school," she said. "I'm really looking forward and into the future."Wadhwa plans to attend UC Irvine next fall to major in business administration.She plans to incorporate law into her studies and attend law school after graduating college."Really enjoy your senior year," she said to younger Vista students. "Applying for college can be stressful, but always remember to have fun and end your high school with good memories."Senior Lauren Parmley, 18, was involved in art, drama and writing throughout high school and said Vista really gave her an opportunity to grow and create with her talents."I'm excited to be graduating, but there are a few things that I'm really going to miss like class and friends," Parmley said.This year she directed the student run "Musical Review," a fundraiser for the performing arts programs at Vista that raised $345.Parmley plans to attend Folsom Lake College next fall and major in literature.She advises younger Vista students to continue creating new opportunities for future generations."Don't be afraid to go out and start new things and new clubs," she said. "With Vista especially, you really have the opportunity to try anything."Evan Pipion, 17, was involved in the orchestra at Vista playing the viola and said being the first graduating class feels legendary."I enjoyed being in the orchestra and have learned so much from our teacher," Pipion said. "We are the inaugural year. We set the trend to follow, I can't think of a greater thing to have happen."Pipion plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana next fall to major in history."While there I will try to play with the school orchestra and also try to play with some local bands to get to know the city," he said. "I'm going to a historical city to learn about history."Pipion advises younger Vista students to work hard and really follow their goals."If you work hard, things will turn out just fine," Pipion said. "If you have a goal and reach it, things can't go wrong."