Julia: If you were to describe this year in three words, what would it be?

Kate: This year? Worse…

Nishad: For me, “opening new opportunities.”

Kate: Like a phrase? Hm. “Take me back.”

Nishad: Oh wow. Nice.

Julia: Any advice for incoming freshmen next year?

Kate: Don’t get too stressed out, because you really need to take it one step at a time. Just do things one by one, and get through, you know?

Nishad: No. Honestly, you need to be open to trying new things. Be open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take a risk even if it seems hard; it’s going to be worth it at the end. Don’t be afraid to try what you feel, because honestly, there’s a lot going on and there’s a lot of things you feel you can make go on. So even if you’re not sure how it’s gonna be, don’t be afraid to try, because most of the time, it’s going to work out well, and you have nothing to lose. I’d say not to be afraid of the teachers, because some of them can seem scary at first, but they’re all amazing when you get to know them. They’re all here for you to make your year better, and especially here when they’re all so open. Don’t be afraid to make connections with the teachers, because they’re amazing people.

Kate: That sounded so scripted.

Nishad: Yes, very.

Julia: Best way to get good grades?

Nishad: Pay attention, and don’t care about studying.

Kate: Wow. Don’t listen to him.

Nishad: I mean, it works for me. Just pay attention in class.

Kate: But yeah, pay attention. I agree.

Julia: Favorite project from Portola High School?

Kate: EMPATHY PROJECT.

Nishad: No. Well, I didn’t like it. For me, I would probably have to say the debate in history.

Julia: Most recommendable event for future Bulldogs?

Nishad: Choir.

Kate: What?

Nishad: A concert IN choir.

Kate: The Empathy Project.

Nishad: That’s not an event.

Kate: Okay, yeah. I say go to the concerts. Especially the musical. It was funny.

Nishad: And good to listen to.

Julia: Did this year match your expectations?

Kate: No.

Nishad: It was way better. For her I guess. Mine sucked.

Kate: Wow. Well mine was worse now that you mention it. But no, I was actually surprised how easy school was. I came into high school thinking it would be really stressful and really hard, but it was a lot less stressful, and there’s more support on campus than you think.

Nishad: Yes, at first, I was kind of scared at how the year was going to be now that we have these freshmen here, and if that would disrupt anything, but in fact, we ended up mixing and blending really well. I was really excited with how this year would go with all these different classes, and I think this year really matched my expectations.