I’ll admit, this school year I definitely had one foot out the door, but I’d like to think I was just “too cool for school.” Or at least that’s what I tried telling my teachers while begging them to accept my late work. In all seriousness, though, this year has genuinely changed my life for the better, reminding me that growth often comes when we least expect it.
This year has been especially prosperous because of the school that has had a hand in raising me. From kindergarten to middle school to high school, I’ve had the privilege of attending Fresno Christian High School. The teachers I’ve had over the years have shaped who I am today. My elementary teachers laid the building blocks of my education, my middle school teachers guided me through my most awkward stages, and high school gave me the tools I needed to prepare for college and, honestly, taught me a lot about what not to do in school.
Out of all the teachers I’ve had, I deeply value my 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Siebert. She has always seen the best in me and encouraged my strengths in the classroom. Even though math has never been my favorite subject, she somehow made it enjoyable and inspired me to learn. More than just a teacher, she reflects God’s light and joy onto everyone around her in the most genuine way.
Another woman I’ve always admired is Silva Emerian, especially since she led my friends and me through God’s Girls in middle school. I’ve always respected her love for life, her fashion sense, and most importantly, her love for the Lord. She has a way of cheering me up exactly when I need it most, sometimes even with office candy. I truly would not be who I am without Fresno Christian and the people who walked alongside me during some of the most foundational years of my life.
I may be a lot to deal with sometimes, but I am forever grateful for the friends who have stayed by my side through every version of me. They’ve seen the tears, the laughter, the chaos, and even the ugly crying at 10 p.m. because of a bug in my house. This year has been full of unforgettable experiences, memories, and love because of some truly incredible people: Georgia Karlson, Natalie Garcia, Sarah Guglielmana, Austin Kinzle, Caleb Eldridge, and Benson Elbert.
My friends have made this year bearable and, honestly, carried me through some of the hardest seasons of my life. There are no words to fully describe my bond with Georgia Karlson except that she is my better half. She knows me better than I know myself, and I cannot imagine my life without her in it. Through our friendship, she has continuously pointed me toward God simply by living out kindness, compassion, and faith in her everyday life.
Every Type B person needs their Type A, and for me, that is Natalie Garcia. She’s the kind of friend who lovingly holds me accountable while also being the person who can make me collapse onto the floor laughing over absolutely nothing. Some of my favorite memories with everyone happened in Benson’s backyard around the fire pit, where we talked about everything and nothing all at once. Those conversations may not have been the most insightful or profound, but they were real, funny, emotional, raw, and deeply bonding.
Moments like those shaped my friendships into something I will treasure forever.
The most important relationship I formed this year was my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior. My life has not been free of struggles, pain, or experiences that once made me feel defined by hurt, but God saw beyond all of that. He saw me, and for the first time, I truly felt seen.
The Lord has taught me how to trust others, but more importantly, how to trust Him and His plan for my life. Senior year came with immense anxiety and uncertainty about the future, and the only comfort I consistently found was in God. Prayer became life-changing for me this year. I learned that prayer is not about pretending to be perfect or only bringing your polished self before God. Instead, it’s about coming exactly as you are, messy, flawed, and honest, and trusting Him with every part of yourself.
God knows every step of my future, and I pray He continues to guide and bless my life the way He already has.
Joining The Feather was one of the best leaps of faith I took this year. It became one of the most meaningful parts of my senior experience. Kori James truly fostered my growth and believed in me from the very beginning. Through my fashion column, she gave me an outlet to express my interests and connect with others in a way that made me feel purposeful. James leads by example. She is strong, loving, God-fearing, and hilarious all at once. She taught me valuable lessons while also holding me accountable with understanding and grace. I’m incredibly grateful for the wisdom and encouragement she poured into me.
I also had the joy of adding Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young to my life this year, and I am genuinely changed because of it. Her love for Jesus and her zest for life radiate from her, naturally drawing people in. From dancing together at a Rangers game to bonding over our mutual love of food, she made this year brighter in so many ways. I’ll even forgive her for correcting my love of Oxford commas.
The Feather gave me a voice and showed me how to use it with purpose. The experiences and mentorship I gained there have impacted me more than I can fully express, reinforcing my journey of growth and self-discovery.
Participating in cheer this year was another highlight of my senior year. Cheer is truly a bonding sport that depends entirely on teamwork, trust, and determination. I’m thankful for every teammate because I’ve formed special, unique relationships with each of them.
Cheerleading gave me something I didn’t realize I needed: a sense of belonging, discipline, and motivation to work hard. I honestly would not have joined cheer again if Coach Hope Villines had not been leading the team. She is the heartbeat of cheer, leading with both passion and an undeniable devotion to Christ. Coach Hope sees me in ways not everyone can, and that is something I deeply appreciate.
Ashley Sciacqua, our assistant cheer coach, also became such an inspiration to me this year. I admire the way she handles life as a young adult and the example she sets through her relationships and kindness. I’m so grateful she came into my life this year.
Cheer taught me many lessons, some profound and some simply practical, like never skipping Wednesday during comp season unless you want the wrath of Villines. Every lesson, serious or funny, contributed to my growth and helped shape the person I’m becoming.
My next step includes attending Chapman University, and I truly cannot wait. I’m excited to live in Orange County and fully embrace my inner Marissa Cooper dream life. More than anything, I’m excited to hand over the reins of my future to God and trust wherever He leads me. Hopefully, His guidance includes driving a convertible down the Pacific Coast Highway with a scarf in my hair.
No matter where life takes me, I know Fresno Christian has prepared me well. The people, lessons, memories, and relationships I’ve gained here have given me insight and strength, all aligned with the central theme of growth that I will carry into adulthood.
As I finish writing this, it’s finally hitting me that this is the end. Graduation is ahead, and high school will soon become something I reminisce about.
At least I can carry this reflection of growth with me as I step into the future.
I walked into my schooling journey in a tutu, and I’m walking out in Louboutins.
To read more from The Feather visit Senior Reflection: Georgia Karlson or Director Susan Ainsley retires after 25 years
Robyn Meyers • May 17, 2026 at 12:02 am
So proud of you Chloe! Keep shining your light!