KIDS TALK BACK

We asked eighth-graders at TeWinkle Middle School in Costa Mesa:

How do you feel about going to high school next year?

1. “I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it, because it seems like you

have a lot of freedom. I have two choices: either a private school or

Estancia High School. Right now I am really into soccer and Estancia has

a better team. My parents say the decision is up to me.”

CESAR ARRIAGA, 14

Costa Mesa

2. “I think high school is going to be pretty exciting and new. It sounds

fun. I definitely want to be in the clubs -- definitely debate and

government. I might go into law. I think there will be a lot of new,

different personalities.”

ANGELICA SINAJON, 13

Costa Mesa

3. “I’m in between two high schools, Mater Dei or Estancia. Right now,

I’m leaning toward Estancia. My parents said they would support me

anywhere I go. I’ll probably be going to Estancia.”

MIKE CAHILL, 13

Costa Mesa

4. “I’m excited because right now I am at the top of the ladder, and next

year I’ll be at the first step. It’s more freedom. You get to choose your

own classes. You are your own boss. You get to do what you want to do.

I’d like to get involved in athletics, definitely football and maybe

basketball.”

NIC KOREERAT, 14

Costa Mesa

5. “I think it’s going to be a whole new experience. It’s going to be

exciting and depressing at the same time. You will be going toward your

goals, but you are going to have to work really hard. I’m afraid of

getting lost, physically. I’m going to Estancia High School. Classes are

going to be hard. I want to be in student government. My goals are to

become a lawyer, then a judge, then a Supreme Court judge and then the

president.”

NOEMI HILARIO, 13

Costa Mesa