Enrollment down, spirits high
By Megan Wehring
Despite student enrollment continuing to decline at universities and colleges across the U.S., three Hays CISD graduates are ready to pursue postsecondary education.
Undergraduate enrollment dropped nearly 6% in the Spring 2021 semester compared to the previous year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Community colleges were hit the hardest as they lost more than 9% of their students.
The Class of 2021 got a raw deal living in the pandemic-era of high school as the students were forced to prepare for SAT exams and college applications on their own. Students watched the simple pleasures, like seeing their friends in-person every day, be replaced by the unknown reality of remote learning.
Before walking across the stage, former Lehman senior officer Abby Power said her class had to persevere during the long road to graduation.
“It’s just been slow and gradual,” Power told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “We didn’t know how long it was going to be and it’s just the longer we went through this year, the more that was taken away.”
Power added that studying rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) courses in classes in high school has helped her develop skills needed for the college classroom.
Melina Garza, Lehman High School graduate, said she is only moderately prepared for college.
“My high school has aimed to prepare its students for higher level learning,” Garza confessed, “but has fallen short in certain areas. However, I’m forever grateful for being taught by intelligent, inspiring, dedicated and motivating teachers who always challenged their students to their full potential.”
Students must also take their own measures by taking a heavy course load, Garza explained, and challenging themselves beyond the classroom.
Victor Falcon, Hays High School graduate, said he is working to mentally prepare for college after taking a break from his studies for the summer.
“College has been on the back of my mind all throughout my high school years and it’s finally about to become a reality,” Falcon said. “Motivation is the key to success and I’m trying to have a productive, yet peaceful summer while preparing for college.”
While Falcon will be attending the University of Southern California in the fall, he will never forget his supportive Hays community.
“It would be hard for me to point to one distinct moment, person, or thing that has shaped who I am,” Falcon said. “I will always cherish my time playing in the Wallace Wind Ensemble during middle school. My middle school band director, Mr. Malik, taught me the value of commitment, consistency and dedication in perfecting one’s craft which I continue to apply in all areas of my life, regardless if it’s on the trumpet or not."
College can be a melting pot for diverse people, which is something Power is looking forward to when she attends Trinity University to study government.
“I see college as an opportunity to meet and learn from other people from backgrounds completely different from mine,” Power said. “I want to gather these experiences so that I can be prepared to face the world. I also really want to make a positive difference in the world. I truly want to help as many people as I can.”
While she is not fully prepared for college just yet, Garza is motivated to attend Columbia University to study computer science. She credits her grandparents and ancestors for inspiring her ambitions.
“They had to work in the migrant fields from an extremely young age into adulthood,” Garza told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. “They worked tirelessly to provide for their families and escape poverty. I’m so privileged to have a stable life and access to great opportunities. I would feel like a failure if I didn’t make the most out of my life by working relentlessly towards my dreams just like my grandparents did.”
