Student track-lete, dedicated band member, and future biology major are some of the things CHS senior Yaroslava Willard represented during her four years at Claremont High. Willard is attending Mount San Antonio College, to get her associate degree in biology. “I’m going to Mt. SAC for college,” Willard said. “I initially wanted to go to Citrus College to focus on my major, but I realized that I should pursue my passions, which are track and field and band.”

Willard understands the weight of reaching for academic goals and values thriving in those aspects. However, she prioritizes what truly matters to her and the things that will have a long-term impact on her life, chasing her dreams.

            Though Citrus is a great school, its programs did not offer what Willard was looking for.

             “Citrus College doesn’t have an athletic program as good as Mt. SAC’s or a marching band,” Willard said. “Academically, Citrus College doesn’t have all the classes required for my major to [then transfer] to a UC school.”

            Ready to lead her new life at her new school, Willard attributes lots of newly learned traits and skills to her time at CHS.

             “High school has taught me responsibility, time management, and how to be more independent—skills that are important for college,” Willard said. “It helped me discover my strengths and weaknesses while also teaching me to handle challenges with resilience.”  

Willard has faced the struggles of senior year and has some ideas about how to overcome them.

“When it comes to college and major decisions, I would start exploring your interests early so you have a better sense of what fits you,” Willard said.

Everyone can learn from someone like Willard— someone with a positive mindset when it comes to discipline and maturity of mind and body. She gifts all CHS students with some of her newfound wisdom.

“It’s completely okay to change your mind later on,” Willard said. “Make sure to pursue what you are passionate about!”