Every student at the Preuss School UCSD has a unique story consisting of perseverance and constant ambition. With recent college decisions being made and graduation right around the corner, the class of 2025 is preparing to walk. For this senior in particular, the journey through navigating Preuss has been one of growth and making the most out of opportunities. 

Looking back at her time at Preuss, Amy Bustos has something to say toward her freshman self.

“One piece of advice that I would give to my freshman self is try not to slack off as much as possible. Everything counts, even though your teacher says otherwise–it all counts towards your college eligibility. Starting off disciplined is key to finishing off disciplined,”  states Bustos.

Amy learned this lesson through her own authentic experience in high school, especially through a key transition to her junior year. 

“I think the transition from sophomore to junior year had the most impact on me, because that’s when I realized I had to work hard and make sacrifices in order to reach my goals.” 

For numerous students, this transition to junior year truly marks a pressure point in academics. For Amy, it marked a shift in her mindset, to truly achieve academic success she had to make tough choices which was to make sacrifices to reach her goals.

While discipline helped her performance, social interactions grew her character the most.

“I think that I’ve grown the most socially. Through experience, I learned about the importance of keeping good and productive people around me.”

High school is not merely about work and making deadlines. For Amy, surrounding herself around people who are disciplined and productive was key for shifting the standards she set for herself. Amongst many of her very own friends, one in particular, stood out quite well.

“My biggest support has been my friend Chantal Velasquez. She has been with me throughout all types of ups and downs and has never left my side. I could always count on her for anything that I needed and she was definitely my rock,”

For Amy, having a close friend who was loyal and supportive throughout times of adversity was crucial in her character development in high school making a lasting impact.

Graduation being near allows Amy to reflect on her accomplishments and also on what she hopes lies ahead of her.

“I just hope to be successful and fulfilled. All the skills that I have gained while being at Preuss will all help me achieve my own definition of success. My high school experiences helped me recognize right from wrong and opened my eyes to the unprecedented obstacles in life and how to face them,” Amy says.

Amy has decided to commit to San Diego State University, where she plans to major in Psychology.

“I chose to major in Psychology because I have always been interested and intrigued by how people’s biases and experiences shape their personalities and ways of thinking.”

Amy Bustos’ journey at Preuss demonstrates the hard work and growth she experienced throughout her high school career. From making great sacrifices to surrounding herself around productive individuals, Amy learned crucial lessons to help in her future year in college. As she prepares for graduation, she looks ahead with great hope, optimism and plans to pursue her career in Psychology at SDSU.