After seven long years, seniors get to finally take the next step in their lives. Graduation is approaching, and the bittersweet feeling of it is overruled by the seniors making a choice on what college they will be attending.
In contrast, Gabriel Betancourt, the class of 2024’s Salutatorian, was welcomed into the Preuss community in his ninth grade year of high school.
“Being the new kid, I definitely underestimated myself into accomplishing this goal,” Gabriel Betancourt confesses (‘24).
Despite this, he was ecstatic at learning that he earned the title of his class’ Salutatorian and is extremely grateful and honored.
Among the colleges he applied to, Betancourt has decided to attend Stanford University for its community and it being one of the most renowned schools for those majoring in human biology. While he preferred to have attended a school that was closer to his family, it is thanks to Stanford’s sense of community that has convinced him that Stanford is the best choice for him.
His plans after Stanford are to attend Medical School and become a surgeon, ensuring his financial stability that his parents wish for him. Being a first-generation student and the first in his family to attend college, he hopes to make his parents proud by pursuing a career he is both passionate about and provides him a comfortable life.
While Gabriel Betancourt is proud of this accomplishment and can’t wait for the next chapter in his life, among this enriching moment, he realizes that leaving behind a community that he has been a part of for four years is difficult.
He admits that he will miss high school in general as it has been the biggest chapter in his life thus far. He consoles himself, however, by reminding himself of his most important memories at Preuss.
“My favorite Preuss memory was all the times we had nothing to do during advisory and we would all plan out potluck events. That’s what brought us closer together,” Betancourt says (‘24).
As he first entered Preuss, Betancourt had expected to be bombarded with a rigorous amount of courses and work, but it is thanks to that that he is willing to push himself to ensure a successful future and be the best person he can be.
While he was aware of the amount of work that Preuss offers, Betancourt was surprised to experience the long process that is applying to college.
“No one said it was going to be easy, but those moments where you might hear those no’s from colleges could take a toll on your mental health,” Betancourt admits, “But on the other side, no one tells you or could even explain how amazing it feels when you finally committed to a school.”
Betancourt has found his motivation throughout high school in his family. His connection and love for his family is a big part of his identity, and while getting into Stanford is a huge deal, making his family proud is his biggest accomplishment.
With his days at Preuss coming to end, Gabriel wishes to leave some knowledge he wishes he had known.
“Throughout your senior year, you will realize that there’s still room for improvement and there’s still room for growth even though it is the last step for college; you can still make the most out of it. So, have an open mind with your college applications and already have a topic for your essays.”
