Parting words from the Class of 2026

By Ariana Bajaj ‘26 and Lucia Alvarez ‘26

Courtesy of Gracyn Gardner ‘26

As spring sunlight stretches longer across campus and the final weeks of school slip by, seniors at Catlin Gabel School (CGS) begin to pack up more than just their backpacks. Classrooms that once felt permanent now ring with the memories of last class discussions, grueling exams, and stomach-pain-inducing laughter.

The Class of 2026 stands on the edge of a journey filled with new memories, lessons, and growth. But before they go, they leave behind something almost as valuable: advice for the students who will soon take their place.

To capture this, a survey was sent in April 2026 to all non-senior students (grades 9-11). Of the numerous responses, many asked thoughtful questions about everything from managing stress and choosing classes to making friends and finding the best food near campus.

Burnout

One of the most pressing concerns was burnout– that all-too-familiar feeling of exhaustion that builds up as assignments pile up and expectations grow.

For Dylan Potter ‘26, the simplest yet most crucial strategy for handling burnout was “having a hobby.” Describing his experience in volleyball, Potter saw the sport as an outlet to “get away from school” and escape its “overwhelmingness.”

Ari Waechter ‘26 offered a similar perspective, emphasizing the importance of building a life beyond school. “I would say the most important thing is to have other hobbies going on in your life other than school-related activities,” Waechter adds. He described the impact of having that intentional pause, remarking, “It gives you that instant relief…of having one day without stuff looming over your head.”

Izzie Doogan ‘26 expanded on this idea, encouraging students to prioritize their “friends, exercise, and art” to combat burnout. Whether it’s spending time with loved ones or anything that sparks genuine happiness, she believes these moments are not distractions from success, but rather a key component.

Finding Community

If high school can sometimes feel overwhelming, it can also feel uncertain, especially when it comes to finding your place. For many seniors, building community wasn't about waiting for connection, but actively seeking it.

Waechter found that shared passions often created the strongest foundations for connection. “I'm really into outdoor activities, and I found that if I pursue them through outside organizations, I automatically find people who have similar interests,” Waechter shares.

Sophia Hu ‘26 pointed to something even simpler: starting a conversation. Hu exclaims, "If you want to get to know someone better or become friends with them, people should simply 'go up to them and just talk!” In her experience, Hu shares that in her experience people are typically welcoming and open.

Addi Dauler ‘26 encouraged students to cast a wide net socially, to “hang out with anybody and everybody,” but warns not to “forget to deepen the connection with your closest friends.” And Doogan offered a similar reminder that connection doesn't require perfection.“It's not that deep, be genuine,” she said, highlighting that authenticity and legitimate connections are often what people respond to most.

Regrets and finding yourself

A CGS junior asked, “What's one thing you wish you had done earlier in high school?” Looking back, many seniors reflected not just on what they did, but on what they wish they had done sooner.

For Maddie Snyder ‘26, organization was key. Something as simple as a planning system or digital calendar, she explained, can “transform the chaos of high school deadlines.” “I just love to-do lists,” Snyder ‘26 exclaims.

Sleep, too, emerged as a recurring theme, albeit often learned the hard way. Ishaan Goel ‘26 challenged the idea that sacrificing rest isn't something to be proud of, reminding students that “4 hours of sleep isn’t the flex you think it is.” Luna González González ‘26 echoed this, reflecting that more rest would have made her not only healthier but more productive.

When it comes to something as unfamiliar as “finding yourself,” seniors offered perspectives that were honest and reassuring. John David Hager ‘26 and Ella Bulkley ‘26 emphasized exploration, trying new sports, and saying yes to new opportunities. Hager added that students should “Try as many things as possible” during their time at CGS.

But Nico Igarashi ‘26 offered a different, perhaps more freeing perspective: “There is no 'finding yourself. Life is about creating the person you want to be.” Instead of waiting for clarity, he suggests, you build it, decision by decision, moment by moment.

Academics

Academic choices can often feel designing, especially when they seem to shape our futures. For sophomores deciding between American Studies or US History/English 11, the pressure to choose “correctly” was significant.

While resources like Snyder’s comparison article can offer helpful guidance, seniors ultimately emphasized that there is no single right path. Hager, for example, personally believes that students take US History and English 11. However, he also thinks students choose what best aligns with their interests and learning styles, rather than what simply seems most impressive.

Food

Finally, answering probably the most pressing question asked by a CGS freshman is “Where can I get the best food?”

To that, Potter ‘26 praised Karam (Lebanese Deli & Catering), describing that it “has some of the best Greek food of all time.” Vishaka Priyan ‘26 pointed students towards Pip’s Chai and Donuts, along with El Jefe’s and Thai Bloom. Priyan sees them as the perfect places that offers both “comfort and flavor” after a long, grueling day.

For something close, Doogan recommends familiar staples like QFC, Starbucks, and Pizza Nostra. And for those willing to venture a bit farther, she suggests the Beaverton food carts (also known as BGs Food Cartell) as a great place that contains a “wide range of options.”

Final Words

In their final reflections, the co-authors offer advice that feels both simple and meaningful.

Lucia Alvarez ‘26 reminds us that one “ shouldn't wait till your senior year to talk to people in your grade.” at the beginning of her journey to college, she hopes CGS students remember that they are “never going to have this experience again. So make it count,”

“Shouldn't wait till your senior year to talk to people in your grade. No matter where you go to school after this, you're never going to have this experience again, so make it count.”

Ariana Bajaj ‘26 highlights the importance of curiosity and exploration, stating, “High school is the perfect time to explore your passions.” Each day, she suggests, “is an opportunity to learn who you are and who you want to become.”

Taken together, the voices of the Class of 2026 create a beautiful collection of lived experiences. Their advice doesn’t point to a single route for success, but instead to a balance: between work and rest, independence and connection, structure and exploration.

As the next classes continue their journeys at CGS, these reflections serve as both encouragement and a reminder to take risks, to take care of yourself, and to be present. Because before you know it, you’ll be the one looking back– wishing you had just a little more time.