As my senior year comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on the past nine years of my time spent at Fresno Christian. Since coming to FCS in fourth grade, this school has become a second home to me. Throughout the years, I have experienced challenges, friendships and memories that have shaped me into the person I am today.
During my time at Fresno Christian, I had the opportunity to be involved in activities that pushed me to grow in different ways. In my freshman year, I joined color guard, continuing it throughout my junior year. One of my favorite memories of color guard was winning championships during my freshman year. In my senior year, I decided to do something completely different and join the tennis team, despite having no prior experience. I played number four doubles with my partner Sage Ortiz, ‘27, and it quickly became one of the highlights of my last year here at Fresno Christian. Although I was nervous to join a sport I had never played before, I am so glad I took the chance and I am so grateful to have been on an amazing and supportive team.
These same opportunities also led to growing friendships that will last even after high school. Olivia Saldivar, ’26, was one of the first people I met when I first came to elementary school. Over the years, our friendship has flourished into a close sister-like relationship. One of my favorite memories with Saldivar was in eighth-grade drama, where we performed our first-ever play together. We also spent our time sharing our passion for food while playing Roblox with each other. Another close relationship that formed during my time here was with Madeleine Durham, ’26. Our friendship grew during our time in color guard together, laughing, dancing and connecting through our taste in music. One of my closest friends here is Isabel Ramos, ’27, she has helped and supported me in my Feather journey as well as my life outside school. During my time at FCS, we made many memories together, but my most cherished one is when we traveled to Eastern Europe together. My friends have always been there to support me and I am forever grateful I was able to meet every one of them.
During my junior year, I decided to join The Feather because I had always wanted to learn photography. Before joining the class, I was told by several people, including my brother, Kyler Garza, ’21, who was previously on the team, not to join because of how demanding it could be. However, I wanted to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. Although I was nervous to try something new, The Feather became one of the most rewarding parts of my high school career.
I started in the class with no knowledge of how to use a camera, but little by little, I learned to confidently use one. The Feather gave me opportunities to photograph different events I would not normally attend. I especially enjoyed taking pictures of soccer games, drama productions and different places around Fresno. One of my favorite experiences was traveling to Eastern Europe and capturing photos along the way. As my love for photography grew, I decided to pursue it through my senior year.
A challenge I had to face while being a photojournalist was interviewing and talking to people I hardly knew. I have always been quieter and more reserved. However, over time, I began to step out of my comfort zone and become better at communicating and being more social with others.
Over the years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel to many places. Including destinations across the United States, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and Eastern Europe. Traveling to these different countries has given me the chance to learn about different cultures. One of my favorite parts of these trips was being able to capture memories through my photography. I hope to keep exploring new places in the future while capturing moments through photography.
I want to thank Kori James for encouraging and pushing me to grow throughout my time on The Feather. She challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, even though at times I did not feel ready. She believed in me and helped me become more confident in both my photography and my communication skills.
I would like to encourage anyone who is considering joining The Feather to do it! While it may seem scary at first, you will learn life lessons and meet amazing people along the way. My advice is to try it and stay open to new experiences, because you never know how much you can grow from it.
After graduating from Fresno Christian, I plan to attend National University in the Fall of 2026 to study nursing. I hope to travel around the world and capture unforgettable moments through photography. As I move on, I will carry everything I have learned at FCS and The Feather with me. I am grateful for the experiences, memories and the people who have been with me throughout the years.
Izzy the fatty signing off 🐈
For more senior reflections, read Senior Reflection: Kyleigh Baca and Senior Reflection: Vivian Cheema.
To see more of my photography through the years, check out my Instagram, @isabella_garza.photos
Isabel Ramos • May 14, 2026 at 3:45 pm
I’m gonna miss you my fattie. I join you next year! 🥹
Isabel Ramos • May 14, 2026 at 2:29 pm
Bye fattie I’ll join you next year 🥹