Every day, students around the school listen to their own music. We decided to tap into the inner playlists of Herron High, asking a student from every grade the same intriguing question: If you had to pick just one song to describe your high school experience so far perfectly, what would it be?
First, I interviewed freshman Zayra Medina, when prompted with the question, she said, “Probably Como la Flor by Selena.” She explained that the song is about missing something you once had. She mentioned that she can find herself missing the past, specifically middle school. We all know that adjusting to a new school can be pretty difficult, and I think that this song reflects this perfectly. The lyrics have an obvious sadness to them, but they also have hope. To me, that hopeful feeling seems to fit perfectly with how Zayra described her time at Herron – a new chapter with a touch of looking back.
Moving up a grade, when I talked to Jazya Goodwin, who’s a sophomore, her answer to the same question painted a much brighter picture. She said, “I would say Biking by Frank Ocean because it feels like a happy, chill song, and that’s how I’ve felt so far.” Jazya’s choices of songs show that her experience has overall been pretty positive and easy-going. She also mentioned New Friends by Malcolm Todd. She explained that she had made many new friends in her years at Herron so far. This, in comparison to Zayra’s interview, shows how much a person can grow in a year.
Next up, I talked to junior Kourtney Davidson, “Maybe You’re not Good Enough by Blood Orange,” At first, the song seem cheering and upbeat, but Kourtney explained,” When you analyze the lyrics you realize that the lyrics are sad, and that kind of how I’ve felt this whole year, I’ll accomplish some thing and be happy, but then another problem would come up and make me feel upset again.” It’s interesting how she picked a song that has this kind of “bittersweet” feeling, it really shows how complicated things can be, even when you’re having some successes.
Finally, I got to chat with senior Keara Harvey, and her answer to the song question gave a fascinating look at her high school experience. She said, “A song I would say describes my high school life would be Here by Alessia Cara.” When I asked why, she said that the lyrics, particularly the beginning, were relatable to her since they discuss being uninterested and disengaged and preferring being at home alone. Keara mentioned that she has always been shy and antisocial, which is why this song spoke to her.
Through these songs, we can see the complexities and challenges, but also the joy and fun that we, as scholars, experience in high school. From a freshman’s nostalgia to a sophomore’s tranquility and new friendships, a junior’s highs and lows, to finally a senior’s struggles to fit in. These song all show change, and ultimately show every grade personally and shared adversities.
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